AM Radio Was the Talk On Capitol Hill Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Energy and Commerce Committee and its Communications and Technology Subcommittee held an “educational” hearing on the merit of AM radio, and for select witness to field questions. The hearing, titled “Listen Here: Why Americans Value AM Radio,” was open to the public via a livestream.

Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “Listen Here: Why Americans Value AM Radio.”

Excerpts and highlights below:

The potential eradication of AM radio in automobiles has alarmed lawmakers on both sides of the aisle along with public safety leaders, who say the technology is more reliable in some parts of the country where FM signals and cellphone reception aren’t strong enough to support newer forms of emergency alerts.

AM radio has long been a place people can go across the country for updates and warnings about severe weather and other emergency scenarios, along with a wide range of music, entertainment and news coverage. But it is also facing stiff competition with the expansion of music streaming, podcasting and other platforms made available through the internet.

Radio has been an integral part of our society for well over a century, connecting Americans to local news serving as the backbone to our nation’s emergency communications infrastructure,” said Rep. Bob Lotta, R-Ohio, the subcommittee’s chair. “Its unique frequency characteristics allow signals to travel far and wide overcoming geographical barriers and reaching both urban and remote areas, this makes AM radio an invaluable tool in times of crisis.”

Part of the shift away from AM radio is the industry’s shift to electric vehicles because the engines can cause more static with AM signals and distort the quality of the broadcast.

Eight of the leading automakers, including companies like BMW, Volkswagen and Tesla, are removing AM radio from their electric vehicles. Ford had plans to remove it from all vehicles, powered by gas or electricity, but reversed course after pressure from lawmakers and public safety leaders.

Curtis LeGeyt

In a statement, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "NAB appreciates the leadership of House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, as well as Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta and Ranking Member Doris Matsui, in holding this important hearing highlighting the enduring value of broadcast AM radio. As my colleague J Chapman testified, AM radio continues to play an integral role in keeping our communities informed, engaged and safe, especially in times of emergency when other forms of communication fail.

"America's broadcasters thank the members of the Subcommittee, as well as the numerous lawmakers that have voiced their strong support for the preservation of AM radio in cars. We look forward to working with Congress to preserve public safety and urge passage of the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act that safeguards AM radio's place in the car."

Wolf Boom Radio President J Chapman also testified before the committee sharing a brief personal story about AM radio's role in times of emergency.

"In June of 2009, I was the general manager of a group of radio stations in Rockford, Illinois. I was returning home that evening with our 11-year-old daughter. She noticed the sky glowing to the south. A few minutes earlier, a freight train derailed at a highway crossing. Nineteen cars derailed. Cars loaded with 2-million gallons of ethanol leaked, some exploded, and the contents caught fire. That fire spread to several nearby cars at a crossing. Sadly, many people were injured, and a life was lost that night.

"Within minutes of the derailment, our stations were broadcasting and coordinating with local officials to direct residents to safety. Our AM station, WNTA, aired critical information throughout that night."