Support for AM Radio in Cars Continues to Grow

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 3:10pm CT

U.S. Congress

Support for the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" continues to gain momentum as key leaders advocate for the preservation of AM radio's accessibility in vehicles, emphasizing its vital role in public safety and information dissemination.

The recent endorsements from Joey Webb Sr., President of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, and Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, have highlighted the essential function of AM radio during emergencies and its significance in underserved communities.

In a blog post, Fire Chief Joey Webb Sr. of Waynesville, NC, shared his firsthand experience with the indispensable role of AM radio during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Webb noted, "AM radio stations receive lifesaving information from the federal government to disseminate to their audiences, and public officials often call into their local stations to share alerts quickly, especially when there is no phone service or internet access, like what we just experienced across the southeast."

Similarly, in a letter to congressional leaders, Marc H. Morial discussed the crucial service AM radio provides beyond emergency scenarios, such as delivering news updates, weather alerts, and cultural content. Morial emphasized, "AM radio provides a sense of community in underrepresented neighborhoods through religious or in-language programming, offering a cultural link in areas facing broadband scarcity."

With bipartisan support, the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act must be passed by before Congress adjourns at the end of the year to become law. The bill has support of 262 House members, well over the half the 218 votes needed to pass. The bill also has 62 U.S. senators as co-sponsors, surpassing 60 votes, the number needed to avoid a filibuster.

The legislative push reflects growing recognition of AM radio as a reliable communication medium essential during crises, serving tens of millions across the U.S. Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), reiterated this sentiment, stating, "AM radio continues to be a lifeline for communities in times of emergency. We urge congressional leadership to ensure this bill moves forward and becomes law, safeguarding AM radio's indispensable service to the public."

As the Senate version of the bill awaits a final vote, proponents remain hopeful that the legislative process will echo the committee's overwhelming support, securing AM radio's role in future vehicular designs.