AM Radio Act Gains Majority Support in U.S. House

In a significant milestone for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the legislation has secured the support of 218 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, achieving a majority, alongside a filibuster-proof 61 cosponsors in the Senate. This bipartisan momentum highlights the critical role AM radio continues to play in American communities. 

The following statement is attributed to National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

“Reaching 218 cosponsors in the House and 61 in the Senate is a landmark achievement for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, reflecting the profound and enduring importance of AM radio to millions of Americans. For over a century, AM radio has served as a vital lifeline, delivering trusted local news, sports, agricultural updates, and critical emergency alerts to diverse audiences across the nation. Whether it’s farmers in rural heartlands relying on crop reports, first responders coordinating during crises, or commuters staying informed, more than 80 million Americans turn to this free, accessible service every month.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act seeks to mandate that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. include AM radio receivers at no additional cost to consumers. This legislative push responds to concerns that some automakers, including Tesla and BMW, have begun excluding AM radio from certain electric vehicle models, citing technical challenges or a shift toward streaming services. However, AM radio’s reliability—particularly in remote areas with limited internet or cellular coverage—makes it a critical tool for public safety and community engagement.

In the Senate, the bill has garnered a filibuster-proof majority of 61 cosponsors, led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA), reflecting broad bipartisan support. The legislation is backed by a diverse coalition of over 125 organizations, including the National Emergency Management Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, AARP, Native Public Media, SAG-AFTRA, and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters. These groups emphasize AM radio’s role in serving underserved communities, including rural, elderly, and minority populations, as well as its importance for disseminating emergency alerts through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

The bill’s momentum comes at a time when AM radio faces challenges from technological shifts but remains a cornerstone of local broadcasting. According to Nielsen data, AM radio reaches over 80 million listeners monthly, with significant audiences in both urban and rural markets. Its low-bandwidth signal allows it to cover vast geographic areas, making it uniquely suited for emergency communications when power outages or infrastructure damage disrupt other media.

The NAB, representing thousands of radio and television stations nationwide, has been a leading advocate for the legislation, mobilizing grassroots campaigns and engaging automakers to highlight AM radio’s value. The organization has also countered arguments from some manufacturers by noting that AM radio integration costs are minimal—often less than $10 per vehicle—and that technical solutions exist to address electromagnetic interference in electric vehicles.