WASHINGTON, D.C. Sens. Ed Markey (MA), Ted Cruz (TX), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Deb Fischer (NE), Ben Ray Luján (NM), J.D. Vance (OH), Bob Menendez (NJ) and Ricker Wicker (MS), and Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Bruce Westerman (AR-4), Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-7), Rob Menendez (NJ-8) and Maria Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3), introduced legislation today in response to some automakers taking AM radio out of their new vehicles. The bipartisan, bicameral AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to ensure consumer access to AM radio in all vehicles.
The following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:
"NAB commends Sens. Markey, Cruz, Baldwin, Fischer, Luján, Vance, Menendez and Wicker, and Reps. Gottheimer, Westerman, Kean, Menendez and Gluesenkamp Perez, for their leadership in advocating for AM radio listeners. This legislation ensures that the tens of million Americans who depend on AM radio for news, entertainment and critical safety information each month can continue to have access to this reliable communications medium. As the backbone of the Emergency Alert System, AM radio is instrumental in promptly disseminating vital information across all mediums during crises, ensuring that communities remain safe and well-informed. America's local broadcasters applaud the bill's authors and supporters for recognizing AM radio's critical role in our nation's public safety infrastructure."
Background:
Under the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the Secretary of Transportation has one year to establish a standard for all new motor vehicles in the U.S. to come with AM radio reception and playback. This feature should be clearly visible on the vehicle's dashboard. Between the legislation's enactment and the new standard taking effect, cars lacking AM radio receivers must be explicitly labeled for buyers.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.