The AM for Every Vehicle Act has emerged as a key legislative focus and harbinger of radio’s future as the US Congress prepares to reconvene in September. With the Senate returning after its August recess following Labor Day, and the House resuming on September 12, broadcasters, legislators, and automakers are preparing for the fight ahead.
In the Senate, the Act successfully cleared the Energy and Commerce Committee, opening the path for a vote when the Senate reconvenes. While there have been no new co-sponsors joining the Senate version of the bill, the momentum appears to be on the Act’s side.
Meanwhile, the House version of the bill, while still in Committee, has gathered additional support with five new names added since the recess began, bringing the total number of backers to 145. The new supporters include Rep. Mike Johnson [R-LA-4], Rep. Susie Lee [D-NV-3], Rep. Ron Estes [R-KS-4], Rep. Mark Alford [R-MO-4], and Rep. Virginia Foxx [R-NC-5]. This bipartisan support underscores the importance of the bill and its potential impact on the automotive and broadcasting industries.
Automakers, however, are expected to resist the Act vehemently. The legislation threatens their ability to eliminate AM radio from new gas and electric vehicles, a move seen as a cost-cutting measure and a way to promote paid in-dash entertainment and partnerships.
Both Ford and GM, who are among the top 20 highest-spending Congressional lobbyists in the past 90 days, have been actively campaigning on this issue. They’ve spent $2,658,515 and $2,590,000 respectively, with disclosures indicating that their lobbying efforts have been tied to broadcast radio.
The AM for Every Vehicle Act represents a significant crossroads in the intersection of technology, automotive manufacturing, and broadcast media. As the Congress reconvenes, the Act is likely to spark intense debates and lobbying efforts, reflecting broader questions about consumer choice, corporate interests, and the future of traditional broadcasting in an increasingly digital age.
The upcoming sessions will be critical in determining the fate of the AM For Every Vehicle Act, with implications that could reshape the automotive and broadcasting landscapes. With the Senate poised to vote and the House gathering increasing support, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill as this pivotal legislation moves forward.
The hypocrisy of corporate broadcasters is on full display. For decades they’ve been screaming for less government regulation in every area of radio, culminating in the Armageddon of 1996. Now their own interests are threatened and they come crying to Congress for help. These AM stations, which broadcasters themselves have emasculated, as a whole, program nothing of value! Now they want the government to help them say “no, no…really…we’re still here…we’re important…really!”
Sure it’s a money issue. But if automakers also say we don’t want you in our cars because you are yesterday’s technology that consumers increasingly are indifferent to, who can say the automakers are wrong?
If broadcasters had been improving and growing AM for the past 30 years, the masses would want to listen. The automakers would want AM in their vehicles. Instead, broadcasters have brought about AM death by a thousand cuts.
I have no sympathy and no support for broadcasters whining to the government to force automakers to love their neglected stepchild. Audacy, iHeart…all you big guys, it’s comeuppance time.