Automakers could not keep the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act from clearing the House, but their lobbying disclosures show the money still moving while the bill waits on a Senate calendar that holds no vote before the midterms, leaving broadcasters watching the clock.
Third quarter reports show organizations opposed to the bill spending about $6.3 million.
Toyota Motor North America reported about $1.7 million, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation about $1.5 million, Tesla $650,000, Honda $520,000, Volkswagen Group of America $420,000, and BMW of North America $230,000. Lucid USA reported $80,000 and Mazda $60,000.
While not directly representing the automotive industry, other organizations known to oppose pro-radio legislation, like the Consumer Technology Association and SoundExchange, spent $810,000 and $290,000, respectively.
Outside firms filed more reports citing it, including Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck for SoundExchange at $110,000, Invariant for Toyota at $90,000, Akin Gump for the Alliance at $80,000, Kountoupes Denham Carr & Reid for Volvo Car Corporation at $50,000, and Polaris-Hutton Group for General Motors at $40,000.
Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo have already dropped AM radio from some models, with the former also moving to remove the FM band.
Broadcasters’ own reports citing the bill total about $3.7 million, led by the National Association of Broadcasters at $2.7 million, with iHeartMedia at $988,568 and Salem Media Group at $30,000. The International Association of Fire Fighters reported $204,309, the International Association of Fire Chiefs $30,000, and the National Volunteer Fire Council $10,000. Eleven outside firms working for NAB and iHeartMedia cited the bill in reports totaling $460,000, and firms for the Nevada and North Carolina broadcasters associations added $30,000.
The American Farm Bureau Federation reported $196,915 in filings that also cite the bill.
The House passed H.R. 979 by voice vote in September under suspension of the rules after House Majority Leader Steve Scalise pulled it out of the surface transportation package, where it had been folded in May. The Senate companion, S. 315, has more than 60 bipartisan cosponsors, enough to clear a filibuster, but its path can easily be stymied.
Sen. Chuck Grassley said earlier this month that the bill needs unanimous consent, where just one objection could stop it, or a ride on year-end legislation such as a rural health care package, a tax bill, or appropriations.
The NAB has released PSAs in English and Spanish asking radio listeners to contact their members of Congress by texting AM to 39179, urging them to support legislation that ensures AM radio remains in cars. Get them for your station here.
