AM Radio Act Ready For Senate Vote

The Senate Commerce Committee has advanced the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" with significant bipartisan support, as noted by Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The legislation, which requires AM radio to be included in all new vehicles, was passed through the committee quickly, underlining the enduring significance of AM radio for American listeners.

LeGeyt commended the committee's prompt action, saying, "NAB applauds the Senate Commerce Committee for rapidly advancing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act with overwhelming bipartisan support." He stressed the essential role AM radio plays in providing local news, community services, and critical emergency alerts via the Emergency Alert System.

FCC Chairman Carr also commented on the bill's importance, stating, "Millions of Americans rely on AM radio for local news and community updates. Just last week in North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene, I witnessed firsthand how AM radio was the primary source for life-saving information for many residents."

"Therefore, I commend Chairman Cruz and Senator Markey for their leadership, and the Commerce Committee for pushing this bill forward. Ensuring AM radios are in new cars supports our emergency response system and guarantees that Americans can access important news, information, and entertainment. I hope the Senate will move this forward soon," Carr added.

Introduced only a week prior, the bill has quickly gained support from nearly half of the Senate, demonstrating a widespread recognition of AM radio's role in public safety and information sharing. LeGeyt further remarked, "This bill is crucial to maintain access to AM radio's local news, community programs, and emergency alerts during crises."

The push for this law comes amid concerns about the fading inclusion of AM radios in new cars, despite their utility in emergencies like the recent California wildfires. The legislation aims to make AM radio a standard feature in new vehicles without imposing extra costs on consumers.