NAB Presses Congress on AM Radio Bill

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 17, 2026 | 3:00pm CT

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

Broadcasters from 31 states traveled to Capitol Hill this week to urge Congress to pass the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, joining emergency managers, public safety officials and advocacy organizations in a coordinated effort to preserve AM radio in new vehicles.

The advocacy campaign, organized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), brought together broadcasters with representatives from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency management agencies to emphasize AM radio's role in delivering trusted news, weather alerts and emergency information.

"This week, broadcasters from across the country came to Washington, D.C., to deliver a clear message to Congress: it is time to finish the job and pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act," NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said. "Congress has everything it needs to act. It is time to finish the job and send this bill to the president's desk."

The legislation has gained broad bipartisan support in Congress, along with the endorsement of President Donald Trump and backing from more than 115 organizations representing public safety, agriculture, senior citizens, labor and consumer interests, according to NAB.

Broadcasters and emergency officials used the fly-in to share firsthand accounts of AM radio's importance during emergencies. Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, credited her local AM station with helping her avoid a tornado by providing real-time weather updates. James Coker, Director of Alabama's Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, told lawmakers AM radio remains a trusted source of information when disasters disrupt other communications systems.

The advocacy effort also extended beyond congressional meetings. Broadcasters promoted the legislation through local media interviews, social media campaigns and a mobile billboard that circled Capitol Hill highlighting the bill's more than 300 congressional co-sponsors. Supporters also generated more than 40,000 messages to lawmakers during the week, adding to nearly one million letters sent in support of the legislation.

NAB said the measure remains a priority as Congress faces a limited number of legislative days before shifting attention to the midterm elections, arguing that preserving AM radio in vehicles is critical to maintaining a resilient public safety communications network.

Read NAB's blog post here.