AM Radio Act Halfway Home
• With Tuesday’s passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act by the House Of Representatives — and now headed for a Senate vote, the radio industry is heartened by this hard fought progress.
In response to the bill’s advancement, NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “Today’s decisive House passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant step forward for the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio for lifesaving emergency information, trusted news and a vital connection to their communities. America’s broadcasters are deeply grateful to House leadership, lead cosponsors Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone and the overwhelming bipartisan coalition that made today’s vote possible. We look forward to continuing our work with the Senate bill authors and their more than 60 bipartisan cosponsors to advance this critical public safety legislation and send it to the president’s desk.”
A statement from Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia Chairman & CEO, reads, “We applaud House leadership and the overwhelming bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who came together to advance this legislation, and thank them for recognizing what emergency managers, first responders, farmers, truckers, tribes and tens of millions of Americans have long understood: AM radio remains an essential source of local emergency information, news, weather alerts, and community connection — and sometimes the only resource available in times of crisis and disaster.”
Pittman continued, “For more than a century broadcast radio has been there when Americans need it most. And today, during natural disasters, power outages and other emergencies, AM radio continues to serve as a trusted lifeline, delivering critical information when other communications networks may be disrupted — all at no cost to consumers. Most importantly, we recognize and appreciate the countless listeners across the country who have made their voices heard by telling their elected representatives to Keep AM Radio In Our Cars.
We look forward to working with the Senate Leadership and lead sponsors Senators Markey and Cruz, to finish the job, send this legislation to the President’s desk, and ensure AM radio remains available to listeners and communities across America.”
According to Audacy’s recent The Commuter Election Study: This year, 66 million Americans are commuting to work, described by MRI/Simmons as the largest commuting workforce of the post-pandemic era • 78% of employed adults commute at least two days per week, while 45% commute all five days • Nearly 90% of Americans who commute to work travel by car, making the vehicle an important environment for reaching commuters • AM/FM accounts for 82% of ad-supported audio listening during weekday drivetime commuting hours (6-10am and 3-7pm).
John Catsimatidis, Chairman & CEO of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC Radio/New York, stated, “I am glad that common sense has prevailed in Washington DC. The American people are on the side of common sense.”
