Left to right: Dennis Lyle (Illinois Broadcasters Assoc.), Paul Renne (WGM-TV), Congressman Mike Bost, Mike Hulvey (Neuhoff Media)
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle bill passed another hurdle Thursday when the Senate Commerce Committee voted to support it. The vote was nearly unanimous with only Michigan Democrat Gary Peters voting against the bill. If the bill passes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would issue a rule that requires all auto manufacturers to include AM radio in their vehicles for free. The Senate is on break for the month of August, so the bill won’t be considered until lawmakers return. The bipartisan bill has enjoyed growing support over the last two months from both sides of the aisle.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) sent a team to Washington D.C. in July to meet with lawmakers about the importance of the AM Radio bill for public safety. Neuhoff Media CEO Mike Hulvey was part of the team that descended on the Capitol and met with Congressman Mike Bost (IL), Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL), and Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN) along with others. Other members of the NAB team included Paul Renne (WGN-TV) Dennis Lyle (Illinois Broadcasters Association), Sam Brattain (Illinois Broadcasters Association), Dominic Mancuso (WTTV CBS4/Indianapolis), and Ed Lander (WEOA Evansville, IN).
The bill is now co-sponsored by 27 Senators including 14 Republicans, 12 Democrats, and 1 Independent.
You can still show your support for keeping AM radio in cars. Click HERE to tell legislators why you depend on AM radio.
