Efforts to Preserve AM Radio in the Car Gaining Congressional Support

posted on 6.20.2023

- Key Hearing Underscores Need, Slated for Action this Summer

Support is growing in Congress for legislation filed in the Senate and House to preserve AM Radio in all vehicles sold in the U.S. as policymakers underscore the importance of AM’s vital role in the nation’s emergency communications system.  The legislation is HR 3413 in the House and S 1669 in the Senate.

A TAB-led delegation of broadcasters met with half of the state’s 40-member congressional delegation in DC on June 14, with outreach planned for the remaining offices over the coming weeks.

The trip was timed for the week after the House Energy & Commerce Committee conducted a three-hour long hearing with witnesses from the public safety community, broadcasters and automakers. The next step, called a “mark-up” is anticipated before August.

WATCH HEARING

The first DC advocacy sweep secured five House co-sponsors from both parties – with more anticipated in the coming weeks – for a total of 88 House co-sponsors to date.

The first group of commitments reflects the bipartisan nature of the concern across the board, including in the Senate where Texas’ Sen. Ted Cruz is leading the effort with his political polar opposite, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts.

Texas members of the House signing on to date include:

• Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Houston
• Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston
• Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler
• Rep. Chip Roy, R-Wimberley
• Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco

TAB District-Specific Data

TAB has prepared advocacy materials on the issue for each congressional district and will make them available to member stations to use in their own direct advocacy over the coming summer break.

Station GMs are encouraged to watch their email for additional information in the coming days.

The topic is also on the agenda at the 2023 TAB Show Aug. 2-3 in Austin.  REGISTER

NAB Campaign Yielding Record Calls to Congress

The NAB’s DependOnAm.com outreach campaign is credited for generating record-setting outreach to congressional offices from listeners expressing concern not only about losing this important safety feature, but also the popular news/talk, religious, Spanish- and Asian-language, sports and conservative content they rely on.

Questions? Contact TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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