Agricultural Groups Back AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
The American Farm Bureau Federation, National Association of Farm Broadcasting and 23 other agricultural groups backed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (HR-3413/S-1669) in a Monday letter to the bill’s lead sponsors. The measure, which has faced headwinds in…
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both chambers (see 2312060073), would require the Transportation Department to mandate automakers to include AM radio technology in future vehicles. The Senate Commerce Committee advanced S-1669 in July (see 2307270063). NAB, a strong supporter of HR-3413/S-1669, publicized the agricultural groups’ letter Tuesday. “Our members rely on AM radio and the vital services it provides daily. AM radio is a source of weather, commodity, and national farm policy updates for our members,” the agricultural groups wrote the four HR-3413/S-1669 lead sponsors -- Senate Commerce ranking member Ted Cruz, R-Texas; Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.; Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark.; and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. “Access to radio becomes even more important for America’s producers in times of emergency. For those who work mostly out in the open, often miles from home, response time is critical. Whether a thunderstorm is developing, a tornado is moving closer, or wildfires are spreading, our members need a reliable form of communication to access critical information.” AM “radio stations are unparalleled in their range,” as a “single AM station can reach up to 700 miles away and travel through barriers like mountains and buildings,” the groups said. “When the power goes out, and cell towers go offline, radio is still available. While millions of rural Americans still lack broadband service, rural and agricultural programming through AM radio helps keep rural residents apprised of news that may impact their businesses, health care, education, and family.”