The fight to preserve access to AM radio through vehicles continues to gain momentum as the Energy and Commerce Committee holds a hearing on the matter.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington delivered the opening remarks of the meeting, which took place on Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024.
In her remarks, Committee Chair Rodgers points out the values of maintaining AM radio in commercially produced automobiles. AM radio boasts a variety of values, but most significantly it plays a major role in connecting local communities and delivering vital, life-saving information in the time of emergencies.
“AM radio fosters a sense of local identity, connecting people through regional programming that reflects the unique perspectives and traditions of their communities,” says Rodgers. “It’s closer to the people, telling the stories and sharing the perspectives that the national news doesn’t cover and sometimes ignores, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring local government accountability.”
Salem Media’s Val Carolin spoke with Atlanta News first last week regarding the legislation.
“We believe that AM and FM radio should remain free,” Carolin said. “I think it’s important, and it’s vital.”
Watch the full hearing here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/events/innovation-data-and-commerce-legislative-hearing-preserving-americans-access-to-am-radio
As of May 1, 2024, the AM for Every Vehicle Act had received the co-sponsors necessary in order to pass.
S.1669 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1669/cosponsors
H.R.3414 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3413
Georgia stations racked up a whopping 270 nominations for the 50th annual Southeast Emmy Awards.
The awards ceremony will take place Saturday, June 15, at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta, sponsored by Gray Television.
