AG Bird Supports AM Radios Following Hurricane Helene

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 4, 2024

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, alongside Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, has urged Congress to support the continued inclusion of AM radios in new car models, amid growing concerns that car manufacturers are phasing them out. Bird and Moody co-authored a letter to Congress, emphasizing the critical role AM radio plays during emergencies, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, which recently devastated parts of the eastern U.S.

AM radio serves as a key communication tool in times of crisis, providing vital information when other methods such as phone lines, electricity and cellular services fail. During Hurricane Helene, many North Carolina communities relied on AM radio for essential updates after other communication networks were knocked out. This highlights the importance of preserving AM radio as part of the nation's emergency preparedness strategy.

"When disaster strikes, we must be prepared," said Attorney General Bird. "Hurricane Helene is a harsh reminder of how critical it is to have dependable lines of communication in an emergency. AM radio stations and the people who work there are a lifeline in times of crisis. I am calling on Congress to prioritize AM radios, which we know provide a key network that saves lives and relays information families need to protect themselves."

The letter calls on Congress to prioritize the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would mandate that car manufacturers include AM radios in new vehicles, recognizing it as a life-saving communication tool. AM radio's broader signal reach, compared to FM, allows it to cover vast distances, ensuring citizens can receive emergency alerts even when modern communication systems are down.

The letter was co-signed by Attorneys General from Iowa, Florida, and ten other states, including Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. It highlights the fact that AM radio remains a vital resource, especially in rural areas where broadband or cellular service is unreliable, and it plays a crucial role for millions of Americans, including farmers and ranchers who rely on AM radio for weather updates and news.

The letter also cites the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) reliance on AM radio for its Emergency Alert System. Nearly 80 AM radio stations nationwide serve as Primary Entry Points for emergency broadcasts, covering 90% of the U.S. population. These stations ensure that crucial public safety information can be disseminated quickly and efficiently during disasters.

The Attorneys General's plea to Congress comes amid reports of car manufacturers eliminating AM radios from new models. Seven former FEMA leaders have expressed concerns, describing this trend as a "grave threat to future local, state, and federal disaster response and relief efforts."

In conclusion, the letter emphasizes the role AM radio plays in maintaining public safety, particularly during emergencies, and urges Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act to safeguard this vital communication network for future generations.