House and Senate leaders have reached a compromise deal on a stopgap funding bill that will keep the federal government open through March 14, 2025. Broadcasters had hoped a bill requiring AM in vehicles would be one of many items attached to the must-pass legislation, but the bill’s text released late Tuesday left broadcasters out in the cold. Despite broad bipartisan support, it dims the chances that the AM proposal will be brought to a vote before the lame-duck session ends in the coming days.
The year-end budget bills have been referred to as “Christmas trees,” not for the holiday season, but for all that hangs off of them. While it was more a Scrooge tale for broadcasters, the bill did include proposals that will, among other things, crack down on live event fees and provide new protections against the non-consensual publishing of intimate images, including AI deepfakes. The AM bill, which has been opposed by the automotive industry, didn’t make the cut.
National Association of Broadcasters President Curtis LeGeyt is already looking ahead to the next session of Congress.
“While we are disappointed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act did not pass this Congress, the overwhelming bipartisan and bicameral support underscores the vital role AM radio plays in keeping Americans safe during emergencies and connected to their local communities,” LeGeyt says in a statement. “NAB remains committed to working with the next Congress to swiftly pass this legislation and ensure AM radio’s critical role is preserved in automobiles for all Americans.”
The proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 8449 / S. 1669),would have required the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles. If they don’t, carmakers could be fined. Before the effective date of the rule, manufacturers who do not include AM would be required to put a warning label on vehicles. And carmakers would be prohibited from charging extra for AM.
Under the bill, automakers would have had at least two years to comply with the rule, although some manufacturers that produce fewer than 40,000 passenger cars for sale in the U.S. would have at least four years to meet the requirement.
The proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act had been popular among members of Congress. In the House, 271 members have signed on as co-sponsors while 63 Senators have done the same. But getting leadership to bring it up for a vote has remained a challenge even though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is among its cosponsors.
LeGeyt points out the bill also had the support from more than 125 organizations—including many focused on public safety—and hundreds of thousands of listeners who contacted their lawmakers. “Their voices reflect the urgent need to preserve this essential service, which millions of listeners rely on every day for lifesaving information and trusted local news,” he says.
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting had been among those calling on congressional leadership to include the bill in any budget deals agreed upon during the lame-duck session. NAFB told leaders of both parties this week that access to radio is critical in rural communities in times of emergency.
“For those who work mostly out in the open, often miles from home, response time is critical especially in severe weather events,” the group wrote. “AM radio stations are unparalleled in their range. A single AM station can reach up to 700 miles and travel through barriers like mountains and buildings. When the power goes out, and cell towers go offline, radio is still available. While millions of rural Americans still lack broadband service, rural and agricultural programming through AM radio helps keep rural residents apprised of news that may impact their businesses, health care, education, and family.”