The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has released a report showcasing the importance of AM Radio in regard to the Emergency Alert System.
72 stations serve as “entry point “primary entry points” for the Emergency Alert System, with the NAB claiming the “vast majority of which are AM” signals. The EAS can also allow the U.S. President the opportunity to address the entire nation in less than 10 minutes of an emergency or disaster if needed.
“When disaster strikes, AM radio has proven time and again its invaluable role as a source of factual, authoritative, up-to-the-minute information that saves lives,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
“It is also a home to a diversity of programming that is often unavailable on other mediums and particularly important to otherwise underserved communities. It is critical that Congress address the need for AM radio capability in vehicles to ensure Americans can turn to local AM stations when they need them the most.”
In its seven-page report, the NAB pointed to natural disasters in Hawaii, California, and Arkansas as crises that could have resulted in much higher casualties and deaths if not for the EAS and AM Radio.
Finally, the organization touted the backing of more than 240 members of Congress, emergency management officials, and other policymakers for the proposed AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would require automakers to include the band in new and electric vehicle models.
