SooLeader received the following open letter from State Representative Nail Friske sent to Ford Motor Company regarding the decision to remove AM radio from future vehicles.
Board of Directors,
Let me begin to thank you for your consideration. The legacy Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company have rightfully developed in this great state is inexpressible by words alone. Mr. Ford and his descendants have put food on the table for millions of families in this state for over a century now, and revolutionized modern industry forever.
However, it is of deep and grave concern that the Ford Motor Company has reportedly decided to remove AM Radio from its future models starting in 2024. Not only is AM still widely listened to for entertainment purposes, especially in rural areas, but it is vitally important for emergency services in times of trouble or natural disaster. Removing AM capability from future vehicles could jeopardize the safety and livelihood of millions of your customers.
Nearly 38 million Americans regularly listen to AM radio, and it is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System. That is 38 million potential customers you are now potentially alienating, and it is in the best interest of both the Ford Motor Company and the State of Michigan that Ford continues to sell as many products as possible.
I would also like to ask why specifically this decision was made. If AM goes, will FM be next? Will our constituents then be forced to turn strictly to massive media companies (e.g. Spotify, iTunes, Google etc.) for entertainment during their drives?
I sincerely implore you, for both my constituents’ sake and yours’ as a company, to reverse your decision and keep AM radio in all future Ford models.
Thank you for your consideration.
Neil Friske
State Represenative
