WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, joined her colleagues this week to introduce the AM for Every Vehicle Act. The bicameral, bipartisan bill would direct federal regulators to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.
Several automakers have either removed or announced plans to remove AM broadcast radio from certain vehicles, prompting concerns about public safety and access to local news. Senator Fischer emphasized the importance of AM radio, stating that it serves as the backbone of the emergency alert system and remains critical to public safety. Additionally, many Americans, including those in rural agricultural communities, rely on AM radio to receive local news and weather updates. Senator Fischer expressed her commitment to working with her colleagues to pass the bipartisan legislation.
The AM for Every Vehicle Act has garnered support from other senators, including Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). In the House of Representatives, companion legislation was introduced and has gained support from Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03).
The proposed legislation aims to direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that would require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without any additional charges. Furthermore, any automaker selling vehicles without AM radio access before the NHTSA regulation’s effective date would be required to clearly disclose this information to consumers. The bill also calls for a study by the Government Accountability Office to determine if alternative communication systems could fully replicate the reach and effectiveness of AM radio for emergency alerts.
The AM for Every Vehicle Act has received endorsements from industry organizations such as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. Recognizing the importance of AM radio in ensuring public safety, Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, expressed her support for maintaining AM radio in cars and offered assistance to the Department of Transportation and Government Accountability Office as needed.
Nathan Simington, Commissioner of the FCC, also voiced his support for AM radio, emphasizing its vital role in public safety and suggesting that the FCC should play a role in preserving its future. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) applauded the legislation, noting that it ensures continued access to AM radio for the millions of Americans who rely on it for news, entertainment, and critical safety information. The NAB emphasized that AM radio serves as the backbone of the Emergency Alert System, playing a crucial role in promptly disseminating vital information during crises.
The introduction of the AM for Every Vehicle Act reflects a bipartisan effort to preserve AM broadcast radio in new vehicles, recognizing its significance in public safety and providing access to important information. The bill has gained support from lawmakers, industry organizations, and FCC officials, all emphasizing the crucial role of AM radio in our nation’s communication infrastructure.
