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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - You've been able to find WBZ News Radio on your AM radio dial for more than a century and now, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey is pushing to keep it that way.
Markey has sent a letter to more than 20 car manufacturers, including B.M.W, Volkswagen and Toyota, asking they maintain AM radio in their vehicles moving forward, including their EV models.
In the letter, Markey explained the value and importance of AM radio channels, saying "Broadcast AM radio remains a crucial, cost-free source of news, sports, and weather, and, more importantly, is an essential medium for public safety officials — including the president — to communicate with the public during emergencies."
Last year, the Senator attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at FEMA and WBZ's new state-of-the-art facility in Hull. The modernization to the emergency studio, enhanced WBZ's ability and resiliency to continue broadcasting under all conditions, including natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
During the event, Markey spoke about the importance of AM radio.
"In the event of a catastrophic hurricane, in the event of a biological or nuclear event which could otherwise disrupt all communications, making it impossible for people to get the information they need." He said "That here, broadcasting from Hull, 50,000 watts, that information will still be free."
WBZ's Nichole Davis (@NicholeDWBZ) reports
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