This week on NAB’s AirTime podcast, House of Representatives Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) gives an update on the current progress and vital importance of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would preserve AM radio in cars. A former broadcaster, Emmer has a deep understanding of AM radio, which he calls “the most personal form of media that mankind has ever known,” and its unique role in communities.
“It is AM radio that everyone has access to,” he said, citing AM radio’s important role in emergencies. “You sometimes have to have that local station where you can pick up this is what’s open, this is where you can get water, this is where there’s food available.”
For more than a century, AM radio has been a trusted lifeline for millions of Americans. From delivering lifesaving emergency alerts during natural disasters to providing local news, weather, agricultural information and community programming, AM radio remains an essential part of the nation’s communications infrastructure. Its unmatched reach is especially critical in rural communities and during emergencies when other communications networks may fail.
As automakers threaten to remove AM radio, it’s more urgent than ever that Congress protect consumers by passing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The bipartisan legislation continues to build strong support on Capitol Hill, with more than 300 House members and over 60 senators backing the bill. Most recently, the bill has passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a surface transportation package.
Listeners across the country have generated hundreds of thousands of messages to lawmakers, demonstrating the broad public support behind this effort. Momentum continues to grow as advocates urge congressional leaders to bring the bill to a vote in the House and Senate and ensure AM radio remains available in every vehicle sold in America.
Tell Congress why AM radio matters to you at WeAreBroadcasters.com/DependOnAM. And don’t forget to tune in for new episodes of AirTime each Wednesday morning, wherever you listen to podcasts.
