Thursday, June 1, 2023

AM Radio Congressional Hearing Set for June 6


Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA) today announced plans to hold a Committee hearing June 6 on the importance of AM radio installation in new cars.

“Communities across the country rely on AM radio services for local news, weather reports, and other critical information. It is also a key tool for our nation's emergency communications infrastructure, especially when other communication services are not available. I look forward to this timely discussion on the many benefits of AM radio as a source of information and the importance of ensuring it continues to be available in new vehicle models.” — Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)

“It’s alarming that some auto manufacturers are considering opting out of installing AM radios in new cars. AM radio plays an essential role in our communities, especially during public emergencies when other alert systems that rely on the electric grid and cellphone networks may not work. I’m looking forward to the Energy and Commerce Committee holding a hearing on this important matter next month. Corporate penny pinching is not a justification to undermine one of our nation’s most reliable public emergency communication networks, and requiring consumers to pay more money for a subscription service to receive AM radio is not an acceptable alternative.” — Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).

The hearing will be open to the public and streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/.

The Republican chairs and senior Democratic members of this committee and subcommittee have all issued comments supportive of AM radio.

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