Mississippi’s U.S. senators are coming together to ensure AM radio is in every car.
Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) have cosponsored the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” as it now has the support of 60 senators and 249 House members. The bill, which would task the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with requiring every new car sold in the U.S. to have AM radio free of charge, was introduced by Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
“Democrats and Republicans are tuning in to the millions of listeners, thousands of broadcasters, and countless emergency management officials who depend on AM radio in their vehicles,” a joint statement from Markey and Cruz reads. “AM radio is a lifeline for people in every corner of the United States to get news, sports, and local updates in times of emergencies. Our commonsense bill makes sure this fundamental, essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial. With a filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate, Congress should quickly take it up and pass it.”
According to the National Association of Broadcasters – which is in full support of the legislation – about 82 million people listen to AM radio.
“Broadcasters are grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in both chambers of Congress,” NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said. “This majority endorsement reaffirms lawmakers’ recognition of the essential service AM radio provides to the American people, particularly in emergency situations. NAB thanks…the members of Congress who are reinforcing the importance of maintaining universal access to this crucial public communications medium.”
The bill was created after automakers, especially EV companies, began removing AM radios from their new models. EV companies have cited an electromagnetic interference from electric motors, but they’re not the only ones trying to drop AM. According to Ars Technica, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Volkswagen, and Volvo have also moved forward in quitting AM.
On the House side, an identical bill has been cosponsored by Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.). While Reps. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) have not come out as cosponsors, it’s hard to believe they would vote against the legislation with over the half of the Mississippi delegation in favor.
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