‘AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’ Nears Final Passage
The bipartisan bill would require AM receivers in all new US vehicles
The ‘AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’ is slated for a standalone floor vote in the US House of Representatives during the week of September 14.
What it means:
Should the legislation pass, the secretary of transportation would be required to conduct a rulemaking proceeding within one year to mandate that AM receivers be included in all vehicles sold in the US as a standard feature, without extra cost to buyers.
Why it matters:
Nic Anderson, Director of Government Affairs for Salem Media Group and VP of Public Policy for the National Religious Broadcasters, has said that if carmakers could omit AM radio because it is cheaper, the same could happen to FM radio, threatening the future of free broadcast radio in vehicles.
The bill has 317 co-sponsors in the House and 61 in the Senate.
What they said:
Curtis LeGeyt, National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO: “Our listeners have made their voices heard loud and clear: AM radio is an indispensable lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source of news and information, and a vital connection for communities nationwide. Now is the time to finish the job.”
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from Radio World.
We covered it because the legislation has direct implications for the radio industry.
