The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act appears as if it is going to cross the finish line in a major victory for broadcasters, the radio industry, and advocacy organizations.
The proposed legislation had already received bipartisan support on the Senate floor after its introduction by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA). But late Tuesday, an additional 12 Senators signaled their support for the bill, with more than 60 now expected to vote in favor of passing the bill.
“Democrats and Republicans are tuning in to the millions of listeners, thousands of broadcasters, and countless emergency management officials who depend on AM radio in their vehicles,” Cruz and Markey said. “AM radio is a lifeline for people in every corner of the United States to get news, sports, and local updates in times of emergencies. Our common-sense bill makes sure this fundamental, essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial.”
If passed, the bill would allow the Department of Transportation to mandate that new vehicle models have the ability to receive AM Radio signals as standard equipment. Those who failed to comply with the mandate could face fines or be slapped with a warning label for consumers stating the automobiles are not equipped with the feature.
The announcement of the support needed to pass the bill was welcomed by National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the legislation.
“Broadcasters are grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in both chambers of Congress,” LeGeyt said in a statement. “This majority endorsement reaffirms lawmakers’ recognition of the essential service AM radio provides to the American people, particularly in emergency situations.”
When I was in Maui during the wild fires, the radio was our only source of information with all power and wire service down.