Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) thanks bipartisan Senate lawmakers for reintroducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This critical legislation – which garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the 118th Congress – will protect AM radio’s role as an essential public safety tool and ensure Americans can continue to rely on this life-saving resource in their vehicles.
AM radio has long been a trusted source of emergency information, providing real-time updates when other communications platforms fail. Recent disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires and hurricanes in the southeast underscore AM radio’s unique role in delivering evacuation orders, emergency alerts and recovery information under the most challenging conditions. Its unmatched reach ensures critical information reaches those who need it, including rural and remote areas where cellular networks and internet access are unreliable.
“NAB is deeply grateful to Chairman Cruz and Sen. Markey, along with their bipartisan cosponsors, for reintroducing legislation to ensure that AM radio remains readily accessible in all vehicles,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Time and again, AM radio has proven itself as an irreplaceable resource in emergencies, keeping families safe and communities informed when every second counts. Further, its diversity of programming and reach remain unique amongst all audio media. We urge Congress to move quickly to pass this important legislation and ensure Americans continue to benefit from this free life-saving service.”
With 82 million Americans tuning in each month, AM radio delivers more than just emergency alerts. It connects communities through hyper-local content, including news, weather and diverse cultural programming. More than 125 organizations, including the National Emergency Management Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, AARP, Native Public Media and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, have endorsed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Their support underscores AM radio’s vital role in public safety and its importance to communities nationwide.
The 41 cosponsors in the Senate include Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CO), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Todd Young (R-IN).