Broadcasters from across the United States met lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, July 14, to urge Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, according to a National Association of Broadcasters blog post.
Representatives from stations in 31 states joined leaders from organizations including AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency managers to encourage Congress to preserve AM radio’s role in delivering trusted news, weather and emergency information.
“We are grateful to our congressional champions who have led this bipartisan effort every step of the way,” 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 AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require automakers to continue including AM radio receivers in new vehicles at no additional cost. Supporters argue that AM radio remains an essential part of the U.S. Emergency Alert System and provides a resilient communications platform during natural disasters and other emergencies when cellular and internet networks may be unavailable.
The NAB highlighted several broadcasters who reinforced that message in local media following the Capitol Hill meetings. Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, recalled how listening to her local AM station helped her avoid driving into the path of a tornado. Broadcasters in Missouri, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Minnesota also emphasized AM radio’s importance for rural communities, emergency communications and public safety.
According to the NAB, broadcasters and their partners held nearly 200 meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff during the advocacy campaign to keep the legislation at the forefront of lawmakers’ agendas.
You can read the NAB blog post here.
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