Broadcast Groups Urge Congress to Pass AM in Every Vehicle Act

Broadcast groups representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico urged Congress to pass the AM in Every Vehicle Act (HR-3413/S-1669), which would mandate automakers retain AM radio capability in all future vehicles (see 2305170051). "AM radio serves as the backbone of the Emergency Alert System ... and is therefore a critical source of information in times of crisis," the groups said in a resolution NAB publicized Friday. "AM radio stations play a crucial role serving as the vast majority of Primary Entry Points (PEPs) across the country, designated radio stations whose signals cover 90% of the American population and have a direct connection to" FEMA and the National Weather Service. It "uniquely can reach listeners in a wide geographic area and is available in urban and rural areas, regardless of internet access and without paid subscriptions" and "plays a vital role in serving minority, non-English-speaking and other underrepresented communities with free, in-language and religious programming," the groups said. The House Communications Subcommittee plans a hearing Tuesday on the issue, but it's unclear whether there's sufficient appetite for a mandate (see 2305260034).