The introduction in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday of the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would direct federal regulators to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge, was heralded by two vote-makers at the FCC and by the head of the NAB, which was joined by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters in endorsing the bill.
In comments shared by the office of Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), which publicly announced the introduction of the AM for Every Vehicle Act, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said of AM radio’s future that “there is a clear public safety imperative here.”
She continued, “Having AM radio available in our cars means we always have access to emergency alerts and key warnings while we are out on the road. Updating transportation should not mean sacrificing access to what can be life-saving information.”
Rosenworcel added that the FCC stands ready to provide any necessary support and expertise to the Department of Transportation and Government Accountability Office as they may need.
The comments from Rosenworcel signal bipartisanship not only on Capitol Hill but also at the FCC on the issue of AM radio’s survival in the U.S. Reiterating comments made in November 2022 in a speech to the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, Republican FCC Commissioner Nate Simington said the Commission should not be shy about asking auto manufacturers to serve the public interest by continuing to serve AM radio listeners.
Simington also noted his statement earlier this year supporting former FEMA heads in their letter to the Department of Transportation regarding AM radio in vehicles. In the letter, stated the FCC “should make clear the vital importance of AM radio,” with public safety a key concern. “Auto manufacturers now, and increasingly in the future will, rely on spectrum,” Simington said in the letter. “Care should be taken to weigh the velocity of innovations against the stability of institutions. The Commission can, and must, play a role in striking that balance.”
Now, with Congressional legislation on the matter introduced in both houses, Simington welcomes any effort from Congress to secure the future of AM radio for the enduring benefit of the American people. “I invite my colleagues on the Commission and across the whole of government to raise their voices in support of this vital mission,” he said.
Meanwhile, NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt took time to commend the Senators and House Members for their leadership in advocating for AM radio listeners. “This legislation ensures that the tens of millions of Americans who depend on AM radio for news, entertainment and critical safety information each month can continue to have access to this reliable communications medium,” he said. “As the backbone of the Emergency Alert System, AM radio is instrumental in promptly disseminating vital information across all mediums during crises, ensuring that communities remain safe and well-informed. America’s local broadcasters applaud the bill’s authors and supporters for recognizing AM’s critical role in our nation’s public safety infrastructure.”
