| AM Radio's Dashboard Bill Clears the House |
| Bipartisan Bill Picks Up Momentum. Eyes Turn to the Senate. |
 |
| The 3-year effort to keep AM radio on vehicle dashboards cleared a huge hurdle September 15th as the House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979) by voice vote. Months of lobbying by Public Safety leaders and broadcasters attracted more than 300 co-sponsors enroute to passage. The legislation directs the US Department of Transportation to require AM radio receivers in all new passenger vehicles sold in the US. According to Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), the lead sponsor, it’s all about what happens when other communications go belly-up during a disaster – a familiar situation for those tasked to manage public safety. “Just imagine if, in that critical moment, you find that your vehicle is not receiving those AM alert transmissions,” Bilirakis pronounced. …”it takes away the last resort of communication and leaves people vulnerable during moments where seconds matter.” Michigan’s Rep Debbie Dingell labeled the effort a “strong compromise” that followed “a lot of tough discussions” among lawmakers, broadcasters and automakers – not to mention the American public. “This bill mandates AM radio in every new car, but it also includes a sunset provision recognizing that Congress should reassess the mandates as technology evolves,” Dingell stated. She took the opportunity to point out that 99% of the 286 million vehicles currently on the road in the US have AM receivers, as do 90% of all new vehicles – including most EV’s. “This is about putting consumers in the driver's seat and maintaining broad access to emergency communications,” Dingell observed. Glenn Grothman, representative from Wisconsin stated bluntly, “Can you imagine spending $60,000 on a new car and not getting AM radio? Why don't you just take the transmission too?” National Association of Broadcasters President / CEO Curtis LeGeyt who has led the effort for broadcasters said the action was “a significant step forward” for those who count on the medium not only for emergency communications but for local news, weather and information. The Senate’s version of the bill passed out of the Commerce Committee in 2025 but has not yet made it to the floor. When it does, it will find a filibuster-proof majority of 61 Senators awaiting its arrival. iHeartMedia’s CEO Bob Pittman, labeled the passage an important achievement. “We look forward to working with the Senate leadership and lead sponsors Sens. Markey and Cruz, to finish the job, send this legislation to the president’s desk and ensure AM radio remains available to listeners and communities across America.” The AM Radio band, though referred to as the “Antique Band,” would be irreplaceable in a national emergency because of its unique geographic reach and its resilience. Fewer than 100 full power AM stations reach more than 90% of US citizens. Many of the facilities have hardened studios that anticipate disruption of standard communications and power. Local communities and agencies leverage the same medium for similar reasons, installing low power AM Emergency Stations so safety leaders can address residents directly when power and mobile phones are off-line. |
PO Box 51, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, 49464-0051, Phone 616.772.2300, Email
• • •