Retired NYPD chiefs advocate for keeping AM radio in cars, citing its importance for emergency communication. As automakers phase out AM radios, the chiefs urge Congress to pass the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” to ensure reliable public safety.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital media and internet-based communication, a cohort of retired New York police chiefs is sounding the alarm on an old-school technology they believe is crucial for public safety: AM radio.
These seasoned law enforcement veterans, including former NYPD Chiefs Terence Monahan, Kenneth Corey, and Rodney Harrison, are rallying support behind the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act”, a bill currently navigating its way through Congress.
Their plea is simple yet profound: preserve AM radio in new cars as a vital emergency communication tool.
The call to action comes amid a concerning trend.
Major automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, and Tesla are phasing out AM radios in their new models, citing interference with other electronic signals as a reason.
However, some critics argue that the move is financially motivated.
Automakers can monetize the data collected from modern infotainment systems, whereas AM radio offers no such profit avenue.
Monahan, who served as the NYPD’s Chief of Department until 2021, passionately advocates for the utility of AM radio.
“It’s the strongest frequency out there,” he insists, recalling its invaluable role during emergencies like Superstorm Sandy.
“In times of crisis, there has to be somewhere for people to turn to get information.”
His words echo a sentiment that seems increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced tech landscape: sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.
But the chiefs’ letter to New York’s political heavyweights, including Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, and Representative Jeffries, doesn’t stop at AM radio.
It also underscores other pressing public safety needs, like the hiring of more officers and bolstering police presence on subways.
This aligns with recent efforts by the Adams administration to curb subway crime, including deploying two officers on every nighttime train.
In a twist that offers a glimpse into the complexities of modern policing, Monahan also weighs in on the controversial topic of police radio encryption.
While he supports the need to encrypt sensitive communications, he advocates for a balanced approach.
“There needs to be exceptions for some entities—even if there’s a five-minute delay,” he suggests, highlighting the delicate dance between security and transparency.
The letter, co-signed by other notable figures such as former NYPD Chief of Counterintelligence John Hart and recently retired Buffalo Police Commissioner Joe Gramaglia, also proposes the creation of a Public Safety Infrastructure Fund.
Monahan envisions this fund as a way to offset budget cuts from previous years and invest in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance police efficiency.
As the debate over AM radio in vehicles unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the enduring value of time-tested technologies in a rapidly evolving world.
The retired chiefs’ advocacy is not just a nostalgic nod to the past but a strategic push for a future where reliable, accessible communication remains at the forefront of public safety.
In this high-tech era, their message is clear: don’t underestimate the power of simplicity.
Uzbekistan has overhauled its restrictive data localization laws to attract global tech investment and modernize its digital economy.
Rising public debt and aggressive borrowing by the artificial intelligence sector are creating new pressures on global bond markets.
As federal bonus payments become harder to secure, new predictive software aims to stabilize performance metrics for private health insurers.
At Global Business & Economics Journal, we contribute to the future of business and technology with news, innovative research, expert insights, and thought-provoking analysis.
