Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NY) have introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, a bill requiring automakers to include AM radios in every new car produced.
The Florida congressman believes AM radio is “an essential communication tool during emergencies” and has provided other news and entertainment for countless drivers since they were put in motor vehicles.
The legislation would ensure that manufacturers provide AM broadcast stations or digital AM stations at no additional cost to consumers. Additionally, manufacturers must “clearly disclose” that the vehicle lacks AM radio access to potential buyers.
Rep. Bilirakis emphasized the importance of AM radios during hurricane season.
“In order to maximize public safety and ensure continued access to every available option, it is critical to have a robust and widely accessible communication infrastructure in place to alert Americans during emergency situations and natural disasters,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Each hurricane season, Floridians rely upon the ability to gain access to information needed to make timely and potentially lifesaving decisions to evacuate, stay in place, seek shelter, or contact first responders. Further, rural and underserved Americans still enjoy listening to AM radio broadcasts for their diverse views. Radio broadcast still has one of the highest reaches of any medium, and with a majority of listening taking place outside of the home, we must ensure this useful tool remains a readily available option for all Americans who own vehicles. I’m proud to work with Ranking Member Pallone on this initiative and look forward to moving it through Congress.”
Moreover, Rep. Pallone added that he worries manufacturers are planning to rid their new vehicles of AM radio.
“AM Radio stations play a critical role in our nation’s communications network, which is why I remain concerned that some automakers plan to phase out AM radio from their electric vehicle models,” said Rep. Pallone. “When Superstorm Sandy pummeled New Jersey over ten years ago, some of my constituents went days without power and telephone and internet connections. In the aftermath of the storm, they relied on broadcast AM radio stations – often in their vehicles – to get up-to-the-minute information like where to get water, gas, and groceries. As the next generation of cars are developed, it’s critical that AM radio access remains standard equipment offered at no additional cost, and that’s exactly what our legislation does. As the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues on this new bill to preserve Americans’ access to this vital source of information.”
The legislation would direct the Department of Transportation in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission to issue the rule.
