Commentary
Having served as former heads of the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the Clinton and Trump administrations, we have personally witnessed the devastating impact of hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. We have seen communities brought to their knees by the sheer power of nature. Despite the chaos that ensues when power grids and communication networks fail, one constant has remained: AM radio.
We commend the Senate Commerce Committee for passing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on Feb. 5. This legislation is a crucial step towards preserving the most reliable and resilient form of communication when Americans are in need of help. It is now imperative for the full Congress to ensure that this important bill becomes law.
During times of disaster, modern communication methods often falter. Power outages can render television and internet services useless. Cell towers, susceptible to damage during storms and emergencies, can go offline. Satellite systems are not immune to disruptions either. However, AM radio stands strong.
This resilience is no accident. The public safety community has long acknowledged the vital role of AM radio in disaster response, leading the federal government to invest significantly in fortifying the National Public Warning System (NPWS) around it. Unlike other forms of communication, AM radio waves can travel great distances, penetrating through signal blockers that hinder FM and digital signals. Emergency managers and first responders rely on AM radio to reach the public in times of crisis.
Recent events have underscored the importance of AM radio. During hurricanes in North Carolina, Florida, and the southeastern U.S., AM radio was the sole source of critical information for many vulnerable Americans. Similarly, as wildfires ravaged California, AM radio stations continued to broadcast crucial updates on evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations.
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Despite its critical role in America’s emergency response efforts, some automakers have chosen to eliminate AM radio receivers from new vehicles. They fail to grasp that the NPWS was constructed around AM radio due to its unmatched reliability. Without it, there would be a significant gap in our emergency communications infrastructure.
If the American people are unable to access AM radio in an emergency, they may miss vital alerts, putting lives in jeopardy.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act seeks to address this concerning trend by requiring all new vehicles to include AM radio capability at no extra cost. This measure will uphold the integrity of our National Public Warning System to ensure that the public remains safe and well-informed.
For those who argue that alternative technologies can replace AM radio, it must be noted that no app, Wi-Fi provider, streaming service, phone service, or social media platform can match AM radio’s functionality in a crisis. These communication methods often fail when the power goes out and can be unreliable, as seen with erroneous cell phone emergency alerts during recent California wildfires.
The sponsors of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act acknowledge the possibility of a better solution emerging in the future, which is why they have included a sunset provision in the legislation. This bill balances innovation and public safety, enjoying strong support in both the Senate and the House.
Disasters will inevitably occur, but thanks to AM radio, we will be prepared. Congress must take action now to ensure that it remains this way.
We commend the Commerce Committee for passing this bill and urge the full House and Senate to swiftly approve it.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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