NAB’s Carrie Healey: AM Radio Push Gaining Steam.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) continues to bang the drum for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

A new blog post from NAB VP of Communications Carrie Healey, “Keeping AM Radio in America’s Vehicles,” says momentum is building for the legislation — “and for the millions of Americans who depend on AM radio every day.”

Healey cites last week’s inclusion of the bill in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s surface transportation reauthorization package, calling it “a major step forward in the effort to protect AM radio in vehicles.”

The measure, which has the support of nearly 380 legislators, would require automakers to preserve easy access to AM radio in new vehicles and mandate disclosures to consumers when AM radio is not included. The legislation also calls for a federal study to determine whether any alternative technology can equal AM radio’s critical role in emergency alerts and public safety communications.

“AM radio remains a lifeline for communities across the country,” Healey writes. “During hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other emergencies, AM stations deliver trusted, real-time information when other communications systems fail. AM radio also serves rural communities, connects listeners to local news and agriculture reports, and provides diverse programming relied on by millions of Americans every day.”

The NAB’s AirTime podcast has more in its latest episode.

The current version of the AM bill will require that AM be kept in dashboard for eight years. That is two fewer years than an earlier version. But it also speeds up the compliance timeline, while also requiring study of the issue before it is renewed in the years ahead.

Several Michigan lawmakers have been less enthusiastic about the requirement on their state’s auto industry. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) has been working with auto executives and broadcasters to find middle ground, and she thinks the outcome demonstrates “practical” policymaking.

“AM radio remains a vital tool for communities across the country, particularly for delivering life-saving information during emergencies and national disasters,” Dingell said. “We worked on this issue for years, engaged extensively with the automakers, the broadcasters, and other stakeholders, and this work represents the best path forward.”

The AM legislation was first passed out of committee last September, but it hasn’t come up for a vote by the full House. The standalone bill has also been passed out of committee in the Senate, but it too has been in limbo. By being tucked into package of other transportation-related proposals, the hope is it will speed its way through.