Composite antenna for a tire

A composite antenna and method for tire monitoring systems is configured as a core (36) composed of polymeric material and a conductive layer (32) in intimate surrounding contact with the core (36). The polymeric material provides elasticity to the core to enable the core to elongate when subjected to stress forces within a tire. The conductive layer (32) is fabricated from a low impedance material and may be configured as a composite wherein an inner base metal is selected as a strength member and an outer metallic layer is applied to the base for electrical performance enhancement.