Pasco Reporter

Earlier today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chairman of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation acknowledges AM radio as an essential communication tool during emergencies and a source of news, entertainment, sports, and music for many drivers. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to mandate automakers to include AM broadcast radio as standard equipment in new motor vehicles at no additional cost.

"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 Congressman Bilirakis. He further highlighted that Floridians rely on this information each hurricane season to make potentially lifesaving decisions. Additionally, he noted that rural and underserved Americans still enjoy listening to AM radio broadcasts for their diverse views.

“AM Radio stations play a critical role in our nation’s communications network," said Congressman Pallone. He expressed concern over some automakers' plans to phase out AM radio from their electric vehicle models. He cited the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy when his constituents relied on broadcast AM radio stations in their vehicles for crucial information.

The proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would direct the Department of Transportation, with consultation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission, to issue a rule requiring automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio devices as standard equipment in their vehicles without additional payment or surcharge. It also calls for clear disclosure by any automaker selling vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the rule. Furthermore, it instructs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the importance of AM radio as a communication technology during emergencies.