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.
Representing stations from 31 states and joined by leaders from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency managers, broadcasters met with members of Congress to urge lawmakers to preserve one of the nation’s most trusted and resilient communications services.
The message to Congress was clear: the time to act is now.
“We are grateful to our congressional champions who have led this bipartisan effort every step of the way. Congress has everything it needs to act. It is time to finish the job and send this bill to the president’s desk,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
For Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, the issue is deeply personal. She told NAB’s “AirTime” podcast that she credits her local AM radio station with helping save her life during a tornado.
“If I hadn’t been listening to my local radio station hearing the weather forecast in real time, I would have been on the interstate when that tornado crossed the road two years ago,” said Tinsley. “I get chill bumps today thinking about that.”
Local broadcasters continued to amplify the message in interviews across the country. On Good Day Alabama, Tinsley and the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency urged Congress to protect AM radio. In St. Louis, Missouri Broadcasters Association President and CEO Chad Mahoney discussed the legislation’s importance and its momentum in Congress on KMOX. In Tennessee, WUCZ owner Dennis Banka interviewed Rep. John Rose (TN-6), who highlighted his recent meeting with Tennessee broadcasters during NAB’s fly-in and said he is encouraging House leadership to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. Oklahoma Broadcasters Association President Will Payne joined KOCO from Capitol Hill to underscore AM radio’s critical role in the Emergency Alert System and its unmatched reach during emergencies. And on Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota Broadcasters Association President Wendy Paulson emphasized that AM radio remains indispensable, particularly in rural communities where broadband is limited and wireless networks can fail during severe weather.
AM radio delivers trusted local news, weather updates and lifesaving emergency information every day. During hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters, it remains one of the most reliable ways to reach the public when power outages and network disruptions leave other communications unavailable. That is why first responders, emergency managers, farmers, community leaders and listeners across the country have joined broadcasters in rallying behind this legislation.
The momentum has never been stronger. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act now has overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress, the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump and backing from more than 115 organizations representing public safety, agriculture, seniors, labor and consumer interests. Broadcasters and listeners have also generated nearly one million letters urging Congress to protect AM radio’s place in America’s vehicles.
With only a limited number of legislative days remaining before Congress shifts more of its attention to the midterm elections, lawmakers have a clear opportunity to finish the job.
This week’s fly-in brought that momentum directly to Capitol Hill. There is no substitute for members of Congress hearing directly from the broadcasters and emergency managers who serve their constituents every day.
But the advocacy did not stop inside congressional offices – broadcasters delivered a surround-sound message to Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. They amplified the message across social media, while a mobile billboard circled Capitol Hill carrying reminders such as, “More than 300 cosponsors agree: AM radio belongs in cars.” At the same time, advocates generated more than 40,000 messages to members of Congress this week alone urging them to pass legislation.
James Coker, director of the Jefferson County, Ala., Emergency Management Agency, joined broadcasters in meetings with lawmakers to emphasize the public safety implications of the legislation. His message was straightforward: “Members of Congress, keep your people in mind, because your people need this trusted way to get information when something happens.”
NAB thanks every broadcaster, state broadcast association leader and advocacy partner who traveled to Washington to make their voices heard, along with the members of Congress who continue to champion this bipartisan effort.
The case for protecting AM radio has been made and the support is overwhelming. Now Congress must finish the job and pass the bill.
Help us keep the momentum going. Click here to urge your members of Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
