Did you know that there is a move afoot by some electric vehicle manufacturers to remove the AM Radio component from their vehicle dashboards? Never mind that broadcast radio is an essential part of our emergency alert infrastructure. In fact, the response to concerns from members of both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives are being ignored by automakers (known in the industry as Original Equipment Manufacturers). They have not addressed the critical safety benefits of AM Radio.
Consider that, in recent years, Georgia has experienced two hurricanes that saw the loss of the Internet, cell service and even over the air television. Only AM Radio remained to deliver important lifesaving information. The truth is that broadcast AM Radio is irreplaceable. AM radio is free and reliable– with credibility earned over 100 years of serving their local communities.
These concerns have been spoken by members of Congress of both parties, Federal Communications Commission members, former Federal Emergency Management Agency directors and anyone who has taken cover in their basements as severe weather strikes with only AM Radio available to inform and respond.
Consumers view radio in the car as vital. Radio remains the number one choice for In-car entertainment for new car buyers. And AM Radio is recognized at the time of purchase as an important safety feature.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Peter Buttigieg has been informed of the efforts to remove AM Radio from the car dashboard and has not responded. But he will face an appropriations subcommittee hearing later this week and will be asked why he hasn’t weighed in on this important matter.
Over 82 million people listen to the radio every month. Farmers are reliant on AM Radio for important information, since many rural areas still do not have reliable broadband service. AM Radio is also listened to by urban residents representing underserved communities– black, Asian and Hispanic. Religious broadcasters deliver spoken word content mainly on AM Radio.
For many reasons AM Radio needs to remain in the car: First and foremost for safety; second, we’re talking about unique formats that won’t otherwise be available for underserved communities; third, it provides Important information in areas not served by broadband, news talk content dedicated to specific content, sports, network programs, agriculture and spoken word religion.
If some or many of these issues are important to you, then call or email your Georgia member of the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. senator. Tell them you want AM Radio to stay on the car dashboard.
Bob Houghton is president of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters
