Don’t Touch That Dial!
October 16, 2025 at 04:30PMDid you know that many of the latest vehicles no longer have AM radio? (Some manufacturers claim that components in EVs interfere with the frequency.) But, as Ashley Stimpson reports for Popular Mechanics, the oldest broadcasting method is a critical lifeline for underserved, mostly rural areas of America, one that is at odds with manufacturers’ desire to partner with lucrative subscription-based audio services for their cars.
It was only when the station’s internet and cell service was restored late Saturday night did Starling learn that Helene had washed entire towns off the map, causing hundreds of fatalities and leaving behind billions of dollars in damage. But he also found out that many in western North Carolina had ridden the storm out in their cars, dials tuned to 570 AM, listening to his voice.
“It was pretty incredible,” Starling says. “In the midst of the storm, we rediscovered the power of AM radio.”
from Longreads https://longreads.com/2025/10/16/dont-touch-that-dial/
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