NJ Representative Targets Tesla In AM Debate

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“If Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas.” That’s what New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer said in his stirring defense of the AM band on Tuesday. With the raging debate around AM’s future in electric vehicles, Rep. Gottheimer says that AM isn’t just valuable, it’s a necessity.

The Representative submitted letters to all major EV manufacturers referencing the role radio played in his district during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. He writes, “The importance of AM radio during these large-scale emergencies cannot be underestimated, saving lives and keeping our communities informed. As more individuals switch to EVs and given the crucial role that AM radio plays in emergency management situations, I strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and include AM radio as a stock feature in your EVs. Doing so would demonstrate your commitment to the safety and well-being of all Americans, especially during times of crisis.”

Rep. Gottheimer is also calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to include AM radio on its list of required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This is the same list that mandates airbags, brakes, seatbelts, tires, controls, and displays in all autos.

In addition, the Representative also is pushing for federal investment in backup power, strengthened antennas and towers, and emergency equipment for AM stations for the purpose of civil defense.

NAB President Curtis LeGeyt praised Rep. Gottheimer’s stance and echoed his CRS fireside chat, saying, “AM radio not only serves as the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System that keeps Americans safe when disaster strikes, but local stations also provide important news and information, sports coverage, weather, and community affairs programming. Local radio has a critical place in the auto dashboard and broadcasters remain committed to collaborating with auto manufacturers to ensure America’s 47 million AM radio listeners can easily access this essential service.”

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