WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation designed to preserve AM radio access in new vehicles, a move supporters say protects a key source of emergency information for drivers. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act passed by voice vote Tuesday evening.
The measure would direct the Department of Transportation to write a rule requiring AM radio capabilities in all new passenger vehicles without an extra charge. Supporters say that matters because many people still rely on car radios for news, weather and emergency alerts, especially when other communications fail.
Bill would make AM radio standard equipment in new passenger vehicles
Under the legislation, vehicles manufactured in the United States, imported into the country or shipped in interstate commerce would be covered if they are built after the rule takes effect. The rule would have to ensure radios can receive and play AM signals, including digital audio AM stations, as standard equipment that drivers can access easily.
The bill is aimed at stopping automakers from removing AM radio from future models. Some manufacturers have already taken AM radio out of electric vehicles, and lawmakers backing the bill warned that the trend could spread to other cars if federal standards are not set.
Supporters argue that if a carmaker leaves out AM capabilities, it removes an important communication tool at the exact moment many people may need it most.
Lawmakers say AM radio remains vital during disasters and outages
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida, one of the bill’s sponsors, said AM broadcast radio remains a critical public safety resource because emergency alert systems rely on those signals. He said major disasters often knock out electricity and cell service, leaving radio in the car as the only information source for some people.
U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher of Texas also spoke in support of the legislation on the House floor. She said networks of AM stations are built to withstand severe weather and other emergencies and that they serve as primary entry points for the nation’s alert system.
Fletcher said the Federal Emergency Management Agency spends millions of dollars each year to keep those stations ready to broadcast when disasters hit.
Texas lawmakers and farm groups emphasize the rural importance of AM signals
Texas lawmakers and agricultural groups have backed the bill, pointing to the role AM radio plays in rural communities. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who is sponsoring the Senate version, said Texans need communications they can trust when severe weather causes power outages.
Cruz said AM radio remains a lifeline for emergency alerts, local news, weather updates and other vital information. The Senate must still take up the measure before it can become law.
The National Association of Broadcasters says AM radio is also important for agriculture, with stations carrying weather reports, crop updates and related information for farmers and ranchers. The Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network provides programming to around 150 stations, according to the NAB.
Broadcasters say tens of millions still listen each week
Beyond emergencies, supporters say AM radio continues to reach large audiences for news, sports and entertainment. The National Association of Broadcasters estimates tens of millions of Americans listen each week.
Advocates also say AM stations serve communities of color and other underrepresented groups with in-language, religious and community-focused programming. Those uses, they argue, show the platform still has a broad public purpose even as audio technology changes inside vehicles.
The debate has intensified as automakers experiment with removing AM from some new models, raising questions about whether drivers will still be able to receive the same programming once they leave the showroom.
Enforcement, penalties and a federal study are built into the proposal
If the bill becomes law, the Department of Transportation would be able to assess civil penalties for violations of the rule. The Department of Justice would also be able to take civil action to stop violations.
The Transportation Department’s authority under the bill would expire 10 years after enactment. The legislation also directs the Government Accountability Office to study how emergency alerts reach the public, including a comparison of AM broadcast stations with other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System technologies.
Support from the American Farm Bureau Federation adds to the coalition behind the proposal. For now, the measure moves to the Senate, where supporters will try to advance it before it can reach the president’s desk.
