I thought ‘radio’ would always exist in cars.
Seems that might not be the case going forward.
Was reading in Radio Ink this morning that the CEO of Stellantis Dodge and Chrysler, Matt McAlear, suggested cutting all radio from entry-level vehicles at the 2026 New York International Auto Show this past week.
That made me sad.
I also read that Congress has yet to act on the ‘AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’ which would require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule mandating AM band access as standard safety equipment in all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States, due to radio’s role in the Emergency Alert System.
That was sad to read.
Here’s why I would personally not buy a car without ‘radio’.
I love radio.
Been in and out of the business professionally a long time in various formats. Talk Radio on AM, Morning DJ on FM, Syndicated Radio in short and long formats. I understand the power of radio personally.
What do I know from my years on the radio behind a microphone talking directly to listeners?
I know that in a world full of noise, filters, and fast scrolling… people are still craving something real.
I also know from experience that when something’s happening in a community, radio is still one of the fastest, most direct ways to reach the people who live there.
Radio is Trusted.
Especially by Gen X + Boomers who have strong purchasing power.
They grew up with radio. They trust the hosts they listen to.
Radio is Personality Driven.
In a world of algorithms, people are still drawn to people. Real voices. Real conversations. Real connection.
Radio Drives Real Business.
People respond to live endorsements from radio personalities they trust.
(huge for sponsors)
Radio Fuels Everything Else.
The smartest strategy today isn’t radio or digital… it’s both.
Radio → Podcast → Blog → Social → Video
Radio is the engine, everything else is the amplifier.
I sincerely hope that going forward when people start their new car engines radio will always be there.
🙂
Debbie
