Preserving Americans’ Access to AM Radio (U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce)

Hearings	Preserving Americans’ Access to AM Radio
Committee	U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce
Date	April 30, 2024

 

Hearing Takeaways:

• The Proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024: The hearing focused on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 (which is currently in draft legislation form). This draft legislative proposal would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in all new vehicles. Most Subcommittee Members, Ms. Spann-Cooper, and Mr. Ahasteen expressed support for the proposed legislation and asserted that AM radio access in vehicles is key for enabling Americans to access emergency alerts for free. They noted how AM radio has the largest reach among all communications mediums and stated that AM radio has an unparalleled ability to reach rural and remote communities. They further highlighted AM radio’s ability to provide trusted local programming and information to rural communities, traditionally underserved communities (including non-English speaking communities), and senior citizens. Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella remarked however that the proposed legislation would impose burdens on U.S. automobile manufacturers that would harm their global competitiveness. They stated that consumers increasingly desire other options for receiving news and entertainment (such as internet-based radio, streaming radio, satellite radio, and digital AM and FM radio) and asserted that consumers (rather than the government) should decide the entrainment technologies that belong in vehicles.
  • Importance of Access to Emergency Communications: Supporters of the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 argued that vehicles must include analog AM radios so that Americans can receive critical communications during emergency situations (such as natural disasters). They stated that AM radio provides unparalleled reach and resiliency during such situations and highlighted how the U.S. maintains a network of AM radio stations that act as Primary Entry Point (PEP) stations for the U.S. Emergency Alert System. They also noted how AM radio can provide real-time instructions to individuals in disaster areas, including in languages beyond English. Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella argued however that AM radio’s declining popularity reduces the necessity of AM radio for communications purposes. They noted that emergency alerts are currently shared with the public through many different channels, including digital radio, FM radio, internet-based radio, satellite radio, and cellular networks, as well as internet-based notifications and smartphone alerts. Mr. Shapiro mentioned how an October 2023 test of the U.S. Emergency Alert System had found that just 1 percent of U.S. adults had received the test alert through AM radios. Supporters of the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 contended however that these alternative means of communications are more likely to face outages during emergency situations (especially in rural areas). Ms. Spann-Cooper added that cellular phone emergency alerts often direct alert recipients to listen to their local broadcasters to receive additional information. Mr. Shapiro also stated that many people are not in vehicles when emergencies occur and questioned the necessity of mandating analog AM radios in vehicles on the grounds that it supports emergency communications. He further stated that many AM radio stations are not always manned, which undercuts the argument that they are needed for emergency communications.
  • Additional Cost and Weight Associated with Mandating the Inclusion of Analog AM Radios in Vehicles: Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella warned that mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles would add costs and weight to vehicles, which could impact vehicle affordability and performance. They also stated that these additional costs and weights would force automobile manufacturers to make other tradeoffs, which could impact the global competitiveness of U.S. vehicles. Several Subcommittee Members expressed frustration however that Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella could not provide precise per vehicle estimates regarding the additional costs and weights that analog AM radio mandates would impose on vehicles. They stated that the absence of this information makes it difficult to assess the legitimacy of the cost and weight concerns. They also noted how Ford had reversed its decision to remove analog AM radios from their vehicles, which suggests that an analog AM radio mandate for vehicles would be feasible. Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) further asserted that the additional cost and weight associated with installing an analog AM radio in vehicles would be negligible compared to the cost and weight associated with current efforts to electrify large portions of the U.S.’s vehicle fleet.
  • Impact on Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturers: Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella expressed particular concerns that mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios would harm the U.S.’s development of EVs. They discussed how the high voltage electrical systems in EVs generate electromagnetic interference that distorts AM radio signals and that this interference can impact the listening experience for drivers and passengers. They stated that techniques to reduce this interference would add weight to vehicles, reduce battery range, and impose significant costs. They warned that these countermeasures would harm the U.S.’s global competitiveness in the EV market and emphasized that China is actively working to dominate the EV market. Mr. Shapiro suggested that the use of novel technologies to provide AM and FM radio stations (such as digital radio services) could address these interference challenges. Several Subcommittee Members and Ms. Spann-Cooper noted however that EVs currently constitute a small portion of the U.S. automobile market and that many EVs already contain analog AM radios. They argued that these interference concerns can be addressed and should not be used to justify the non-inclusion of analog AM radios in new EVs. Rep. Armstrong also noted how the federal government provides significant rebates to consumers that purchase EVs and stated that these rebates exceed the cost of installing analog AM radios in the EVs He further raised concerns that EV manufacturers lack sufficient incentives to serve rural areas and that permitting EV manufacturers to not include analog AM radios in their vehicles would cause these manufacturers to further neglect rural areas.
  • Treatment of AM Radio as an Automobile Safety Requirement: Ms. Spann-Cooper remarked that AM radio should be viewed as a safety feature for vehicles and called it appropriate to mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. Mr. Bozzella noted how the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an established process for assessing whether to require lifesaving technologies. He contended that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would mandate safety features outside of the standard federal motor vehicle safety standard setting process. Mr. Shapiro further stated that there must exist a special set of circumstances for AM radios in vehicles to be effective safety devices. He elaborated that a person must be in a vehicle and listening to AM radio to receive emergency alerts. He further stated that there must be an AM radio broadcaster physically located in the AM radio station to convey that an emergency is occurring. He commented that this reliance upon these circumstances undercuts the arguments that AM radio is an essential service for emergency communications (and therefore necessitates inclusion in vehicles). Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) stated however that the mobile nature of vehicles makes it necessary for the federal government to mandate that vehicles include analog AM radios.
  • Continued Availability of AM Radio: Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella contended that not passing the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would not threaten the future viability of AM radio. They stated that many Americans will continue to listen to AM radio given its unique programming and given how automobile manufacturers (particularly those developing gasoline-powered engines and those serving rural regions) will continue to include analog AM radios in their vehicles moving forward. They indicated that 99 percent of U.S. vehicles contain analog AM radios. Mr. Bozzella noted that it would take more than 30 years for analog AM radio to fully phase out if every automobile manufacturer were to immediately discontinue the inclusion of analog AM radios in their vehicles. Mr. Ahasteen noted however that vehicles within the Navajo Nation tend to be phased out more quickly due to the Nation’s more challenging terrain. He warned that the inability for Navajo Nation members to purchase vehicles containing AM radios could create future problems for these members that ultimately result in public safety crises. Supported of the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act further argued that mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles is key for supporting the viability of local radio stations and programming. They commented that these local radio stations serve as both employers and key advertising platforms for local companies.
  • Point of Sale Disclosures Regarding Whether Vehicles Contain Analog AM Radios: Mr. Shapio and Mr. Bozzella remarked that customers should be notified at the point of sale as to whether a vehicle contains an analog AM radio. They commented that this notification would support customers in making informed vehicle purchasing decisions and would address concerns regarding the continued viability of AM radio.
  • Provision of Portable AM Radios in Vehicles: Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella also expressed support for having emergency portable AM radios be placed in new vehicles that do not have AM radios upon customer request. They indicated that these portable AM radios could be battery-powered or crank-powered. They stated that this proposed solution would ensure that consumers have vehicle access to emergency alerts delivered via AM radio and would not impact vehicle designs. Ms. Spann-Cooper argued however that this proposed solution would not be feasible because it would expect drivers to stop driving during emergencies to retrieve AM radios (which may be crank-powered).
  • U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Study Provision: Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella expressed frustration that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would first mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles and then require a GAO study assessing the effectiveness of the policy. They stated that the U.S. should first study AM radio’s use before it mandates the inclusion of analog AM radios in all vehicles. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) remarked that while it would be preemptive to fully mandate analog AM radios in all vehicles, she asserted that it would also be preemptive to remove analog AM radios from vehicles without studies.
  • Automobile Industry’s Use of Subscription Services and Data Collection to Derive Revenue: Rep. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) expressed suspicion that the automobile and technology industries are opposed to the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 because the legislation would inhibit their ability to have consumers sign up for subscription and data collection services. He commented that these subscription and data collection services can be lucrative for the automobile and technology industries. Mr. Bozzella indicated that he could not provide a precise estimate for the amount of revenue that automobile manufacturers generate from applications and subscription services. He testified however that this amount is very low and stated that the automobile industry’s business model is not centered around this revenue.
• Other Policy Topics: The hearing’s witnesses used the hearing to raise other radio and telecommunications policy issues for the Subcommittee’s consideration.
  • AM Radio Technology Improvements: Mr. Shapiro mentioned how his organization, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), has repeatedly called on broadcasters over the previous four decades to invest in new AM radio technology and commented that this new technology would improve sound quality and expand market share. He suggested that digital and streaming broadcasts of AM radio could solve these issues. He described the broadcast industry’s response to these calls as “underwhelming.” 
  • Non-Payment of Performance Royalties for Broadcast Radio Airings of Recorded Works: Mr. Shapiro also highlighted how AM and FM radio are the only forms of radio that do not compensate performers for the airing of their recorded works. He noted that digital and streaming platforms by contrast do pay performance royalties. He noted how the U.S. is the only democratic nation in the world where artists are not compensated for the use of their songs on AM and FM radio stations. He asserted that mandating the inclusion of AM radios in vehicles would condone this “unfair” system of permitting radio broadcasters to reap profits at the expense of performing artists.
  • The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Mr. Ahasteen raised concerns over Congress’s failure to reauthorize the FCC’s ACP, which provides a monthly subsidy for low-income Americans to purchase broadband service. Mr. Ahasteen highlighted how the ACP has supported many Navajo Nation members in connecting to broadband internet service.

Hearing Witnesses:

1. Mr. John Bozzella, President and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation
2. Mr. Gary Shapiro, CEO, Consumer Technology Association
3. Ms. Melody Spann-Cooper, Chair and CEO, Midway Broadcasting Corporation
4. Mr. Justin Ahasteen, Executive Director, Navajo Nation

Member Opening Statements:

Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL):

• He stated that the hearing would consider the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 (which he indicated is in draft legislation form).
  • He expressed interest in hearing feedback on the draft legislation from the hearing’s witnesses.
• He discussed the importance of having a robust and widely accessible communications infrastructure to alert Americans and to ensure public safety during emergencies and natural disasters.
  • He asserted that Americans should have direct access to critical information so that they can make timely and lifesaving decisions.
• He also discussed how the U.S. Emergency Alert System plays a crucial role in the U.S.’s communications infrastructure.
• He expressed support for improving the U.S. Emergency Alert System to ensure that public alerts reach all Americans and mentioned how he had been a sponsor of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015.
  • He noted how this law had authorized and updated the U.S. Emergency Alert System to incorporate multiple communications technologies.
• He also noted how the U.S. Emergency Alert System requires emergency alerts to go to the largest portion of affected population feasible.
  • He emphasized that these alerts must be delivered to individuals with access and functional needs, individuals with disabilities, and individuals in rural and remote areas.
• He mentioned how his state of Florida relies upon the U.S. Emergency Alert System during hurricanes to alert its residents about potential dangers and asserted that AM radio can play an important role in supporting these alerts.
• He mentioned how Nielsen Media Research had found that radio broadcasting still has the highest reach of any communications medium.
  • He indicated that Nielsen Media Research had found that radio broadcasting can reach 91 percent of U.S. adults and noted that the majority of broadcast radio listenership occurs outside of the homes of listeners.
• He also highlighted how AM radio signals can cover large geographic areas, especially when other networks fail.
  • He added that Americans enjoy the diverse viewpoints and local perspectives that AM radio offers.
• He raised concerns over reports that certain automobile manufacturers are considering the elimination of analog AM radio options in their vehicles and indicated that these concerns are bipartisan in nature.
• He discussed how the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to work with the FCC to issue a nationwide standard for ensuring that new vehicles have access to AM radio stations.
• He acknowledged that the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 could impose broad government mandates on automobile manufacturers and expressed interest in working to ensure that Congress does not inadvertently hamper innovation through this legislation.
  • He also asserted that Congress must work to ensure that it does not impose “undue” cost burdens onto Americans.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL):

• She remarked that AM radio has provided value to Americans for over a century and noted how over 85 million Americans had listened to AM radio in 2023.
• She stated that AM radio has played an important role in protecting consumers when other communications platforms fail.
  • She recounted how AM radio had played a key role in providing 24/7 news coverage during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
• She also discussed how AM radio is popular among senior citizens, African Americans, and Latinos and highlighted how the U.S. has many AM radio stations that broadcast in languages beyond English.
  • She further mentioned how AM radio is especially important in rural and underserved areas and noted how FM radio service is often not available in these areas.
• She remarked that the U.S. must ensure that AM radio options remain available for consumers and noted how many automobile manufacturers have begun to issue new vehicles that lack analog AM radios.
  • She commented that many consumers are surprised to find that their new vehicles lack analog AM radios.
• She expressed hope that the Subcommittee could work on a bipartisan basis to ensure that analog AM radios remain available in automobiles.

Full Committee Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA):

• She remarked that the Subcommittee must be mindful regarding how transitions to “cutting edge” technologies could impact communities.
• She discussed how the decision of automobile manufacturers to remove analog AM radios from new vehicle models is beginning to impact U.S. communities.
• She mentioned how the Subcommittee in 2023 had previously held a hearing that had highlighted the importance of AM radio access for Americans.
  • She noted her constituents rely upon AM radio to obtain news, listen to sports, and receive critical information during emergencies.
• She also discussed how parts of her Congressional District have limited access to FM radio and broadband service, which makes AM radio the only source of information for these areas.
  • She commented that her Congressional District’s FM radio and broadband service access challenges are not unique and indicated that these challenges impact other Congressional Districts.
• She called it “concerning” that some automobile manufacturers are taking actions to remove analog AM radios from their new vehicle models and are disregarding the impact of these removals.
  • She asserted that this decision to remove analog AM radios from new vehicle models would impact tens of millions of Americans and noted how estimates indicate that 45 million Americans listen to AM radio each month.
• She remarked that AM radio is unique because it is free and can be transmitted over longer distances than other communication forms with relatively lower power.
  • She also noted how AM radio can support smaller broadcasters (including religious and minority broadcasters) and warned that removing analog AM radios from new vehicle models would jeopardize the future viability of these broadcasters.
• She indicated that while some people argue that there exist numerous outlets for people to access AM radio content, she stated that many Americans lack access to streaming and satellite radio options for accessing AM radio content.
• She also discussed how AM radio is especially resilient and dependable during times of emergency and described AM radio as a “core piece” of the U.S. Emergency Alert System.
  • She highlighted how AM radio had played a key role in providing critical emergency updates during recent tornadoes in the Midwest.
• She remarked that Congress must intervene to ensure that consumers maintain access to analog AM radios in their automobiles and criticized the automobile industry for seeking to eliminate analog AM radios from their vehicles.
• She stated AM radio provides valuable information to Americans and fosters a sense of local identity through providing regional programming.
  • She also asserted that AM radio plays a “crucial role” in terms of ensuring local government accountability.
• She expressed interest in working to ensure that Americans can access analog AM radios in their vehicles so that the Committee can shift its focus to addressing other important vehicle policies.
  • She specifically expressed interest in having Congress work to develop autonomous vehicle (AV) legislation.

Full Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ):

• He called AM radio stations a “vital” part of the U.S.’s communications system and noted how tens of millions of Americans listen to AM radio stations every month.
  • He highlighted how AM radio stations offer diverse programming to listeners, including community news, sports, and religious programming.
• He also noted how AM radio can provide lifesaving information during periods of emergency, especially when other communication networks fail.
• He discussed how there exists a network of AM radio stations specifically designed to withstand major weather events and other disasters.
  • He noted how these AM radio stations act as PEP stations for the U.S. Emergency Alert System and highlighted how the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invests millions of dollars every year to keep these AM radio stations ready to broadcast during emergencies.
• He noted how AM radio had played a critical role in his Congressional District during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
  • He noted how Hurricane Sandy had caused the largest power outage in New Jersey’s history and had disrupted cellular phone, cable, and internet services.
• He stated that his constituents had relied upon AM radio stations for critical and time sensitive alerts during Hurricane Sandy and mentioned how his Congressional District had experienced a 247 percent increase in AM radio listenership during this period.
  • He highlighted how many AM radio stations (including those that do not typically focus on weather alerts or news) had provided real-time information regarding where to find critical supplies, weather warnings, and messages from government officials throughout this period.
• He remarked that other communities have also relied upon AM radio during periods of emergency and asserted that AM radio plays an important role in the U.S.’s emergency infrastructure system.
• He raised concerns over how some automobile manufacturers have decided to remove analog AM radios from their new model vehicles.
  • He commended Ford and other automobile manufacturers for reversing their decisions to remove analog AM radios from their new model vehicles.
• He lamented however that some automobile companies (including EV manufacturers) are no longer including AM radio receivers in their vehicles, which has caused an increasing number of Americans to lack access to AM radio.
• He applauded the Subcommittee for considering discussion draft legislation that would ensure that all Americans could access AM radio through their automobiles.
  • He noted how the discussion draft legislation under consideration would require automobile manufacturers to install equipment to receive AM radio signals in all passenger cars made or sold within the U.S. at no extra cost to consumers.
• He thanked Full Committee Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) for their work to hold the hearing on a bipartisan basis.
  • He commended the discussion draft legislation under consideration at the hearing and expressed interest in ensuring that all Americans can access analog AM radio in their vehicles.

Witness Opening Statements:

Mr. Gary Shapiro (Consumer Technology Association):

• He remarked that U.S. consumers (rather than radio broadcasters) should decide the entertainment technologies that belong in automobiles.
  • He asserted that the marketplace (rather than the U.S. government) should determine which technologies thrive and grow.
• He expressed the opposition of his organization, the CTA, to the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 and called it inappropriate for Congress to mandate the inclusion of century-old technology in 21st century automobiles.
  • He contended that this proposed mandate is especially inappropriate because it would unfairly support an industry that uses public spectrum that is received at no cost.
• He mentioned how his organization has repeatedly called on broadcasters over the previous four decades to invest in new AM radio technology and commented that this new technology would improve sound quality and expand market share.
  • He described the broadcast industry’s response to these calls as “underwhelming.”
• He acknowledged that many Americans still listen to AM radio for sports, news, truck radio, cultural, and non-English programming.
• He stated that automobile manufacturers would continue to offer analog AM radio for most of their vehicle models, even if Congress does not pass the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024.
  • He commented that automobile manufacturers are especially likely to include analog AM radios in their vehicle models with gasoline-powered engines and their vehicle models that are popular in rural areas.
• He expressed concerns that mandating automobile manufacturers to include analog AM radios in their vehicles would harm U.S. innovation, especially within the EV space.
• He noted that EV manufacturers can somewhat reduce the static noise accompanying AM radio transmissions through certain techniques, such as shielding and fully redesigning their vehicles.
  • He indicated however that these techniques add costs and weight to their vehicles and force EV manufacturers to make design tradeoffs (which can limit other types of innovations).
• He mentioned how some EV manufacturers provide access to AM radio using novel technologies and also support streaming services and satellite radio.
  • He noted that these EV manufacturers offer free of charge access to AM and FM radio stations and avoid interference issues through using these novel technologies.
• He stated that the provision of digital AM radio services from EV manufacturers should constitute a sufficient compromise.
• He remarked that Congressional action to mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles would impact the U.S.’s competitiveness within the global automobile industry.
  • He commented that Europe often imposes burdensome regulations on its companies that stymie promising innovations and asserted that the U.S. should not pursue similar regulatory policies.
• He also called on the Subcommittee to review the National Association of Broadcasters’s (NAB) safety arguments for including analog AM radios in vehicles.
  • He noted how emergency alerts are currently shared with the public through many different channels, including digital radio, FM radio, internet-based radio, satellite radio, and cellular networks, as well as internet-based notifications and smartphone alerts.
• He stated that FEMA understands the declining popularity of AM radio and asserted that the NAB’s call for Congress to mandate the inclusion of AM radios in vehicles demonstrates the weakness of AM radio technology.
• He mentioned how an October 2023 test of the U.S. Emergency Alert System had found 95 percent of U.S. adults had received the test alert via their phones.
  • He indicated that just 1 percent of U.S. adults had received this test alert through AM radios.
• He stated that there exists no data that not requiring AM radios in vehicles will impact FEMA’s mission and called for the U.S. to perform a study on how AM radio and multiple other technologies would help or hurt the sending of emergency alerts.
  • He expressed frustration that the draft legislation under consideration at the hearing would first mandate the inclusion of AM radios in vehicles and then require a study assessing the effectiveness of the policy.
• He disputed the claims that automobile manufacturers are seeking to stifle religious, talk, diverse, and multilingual programming and asserted that automobile manufacturers are simply striving to produce vehicles that consumers want to purchase.
  • He commented that automobile manufacturers are agnostic regarding the programming preferences of their customers.
• He further highlighted how AM and FM radio are the only forms of radio that do not compensate performers for the airings of their recorded works.
  • He noted that digital and streaming platforms by contrast do pay performance royalties.
• He stated that AM and FM radio stations use music to build their audiences (which allows broadcasters to make billions of dollars from advertising) while paying nothing to performers.
  • He called this dynamic “disturbing” given how over 240 million songs are played on broadcast radio every year
• He noted how the U.S. is the only democratic nation in the world where artists are not compensated for the use of their songs on AM and FM radio stations.
  • He asserted that mandating the inclusion of AM radios in vehicles would condone this “unfair” system of permitting radio broadcasters to reap profits at the expense of performing artists.
• He stated that the broadcast industry has repeatedly lobbied Congress to preserve the industry’s “struggling” business model.
  • He indicated that the broadcast industry’s lobbying efforts have included seeking to mandate the inclusion of FM chips in mobile phones and mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles.
• He contended that the broadcast industry’s argument for mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles could logically extend to mandating the inclusion of AM radios in every home, classroom, hotel room, and retail store.
  • He asserted that Congress should resist the broadcast industry’s lobbying campaign and permit consumers to make purchase decisions that align with their own preferences.

Ms. Melody Spann-Cooper (Midway Broadcasting Corporation):

• She noted how her company, Midway Broadcasting Corporation, is Chicago’s only Black and female-owned broadcasting company.
  • She indicated that her testimony is on behalf of the NAB and thousands of free over-the-air (OTA) AM radio stations.
• She called the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 “critical” and noted how this draft legislation would preserve analog AM radios in vehicles.
• She discussed how over 82 million Americans every month listen to AM radio stations for news, entertainment, sports, and emergency information.
  • She noted how over 15,000 broadcast radio stations operate in the U.S. and emphasized that these broadcast radio stations provide their content for free.
  • She indicated that 4,500 of these 15,000 broadcast radio stations are AM radio stations.
• She mentioned how her company operates two AM radio stations that serve Chicago’s Black and Hispanic communities.
  • She testified that her AM radio stations provide live, trusted, and local content meant to empower and educate Chicago’s diverse communities.
• She remarked that her company’s AM radio stations are “vital” for several reasons and specifically highlighted the social impact of these stations.
  • She mentioned how Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosts a weekly segment on their radio stations that offers refunds to Cook County homeowners that have overpaid their property taxes.
  • She testified that this segment has allowed Cook County to return $300 million to its taxpayers.
• She stated that AM radio stations throughout the U.S. provide similar benefits to their communities.
• She then remarked that AM radio serves as a “resilient lifeline” during public safety emergencies and asserted that no other communication medium has the reach or resiliency of AM radio.
  • She noted how a single AM radio station can be heard as far as 700 miles away and how AM radio signals can pass through buildings and mountains.
  • She also noted how AM radio signals can reach remote areas that are unserved by cellular signals and FM radio stations.
  • She further noted how AM radio stations can still be found on battery-powered and crank radios and cars during power outages.
• She highlighted how radio broadcasters partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide emergency information to the public.
• She noted that while Americans also receive these alerts via television, satellite radio, and cellular phones, she commented that this communications infrastructure can be delicate.
  • She mentioned how the U.S. has experienced natural disasters and terrorist attacks that have rendered many means of communication unavailable.
• She remarked that Americans can depend on radio for emergency information during power outages and cellular tower failures.
• She also discussed how 77 radio stations (most of which being AM radio stations) serve as PEP stations, which she explained are equipped to continue broadcasting information under all conditions.
  • She commented that the U.S.’s network of PEP stations has saved lives and asserted that radio constitutes the most reliable source of information that Americans have access to.
• She then mentioned how a diverse range of government departments and agencies, numerous stakeholders, 247 U.S. Representatives, and 60 U.S. Senators support the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024.
  • She indicated that the government departments and agencies supporting the discussion draft legislation include FEMA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the FCC.
• She remarked that Americans need access to fact-based information before, during, and after emergency events and asserted that AM radio could provide such access.
• She compared current proposals to mandate analog AM radios in vehicles to previous federal automobile safety requirements and called on Congress to mandate analog AM radios in vehicles as a safety feature.
  • She commended the Committee for its work on the discussion draft legislation.

Mr. John Bozzella (Alliance for Automotive Innovation):

• He expressed the opposition of his organization, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, to the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 for three main reasons.
  • He first asserted that the discussion draft legislation’s requirement that analog AM radios be included in vehicles is not necessary for ensuring public safety.
  • He secondly asserted that the discussion draft legislation constitutes a Congressional intervention to support a particular business model.
  • He lastly asserted that the discussion draft legislation would create a “troubling precedent” at NHTSA.
• He discussed how there are 286 million vehicles currently on U.S. roads and noted how the average age of these vehicles is more than 12 years old.
  • He indicated that 99 percent of these vehicles contain analog AM radios.
• He noted that it would take more than 30 years for analog AM radio to be fully phased out if every automobile manufacturer were to immediately discontinue the inclusion of analog AM radios in their vehicles.
• He stated that some automobile manufacturers have announced plans to stop including analog AM radios in their vehicles following customer research suggesting that their customers rarely listen to analog AM radio in their vehicles.
  • He noted how these customers have numerous options for receiving news and entertainment while driving, including internet-based radio, streaming radio, satellite radio, and digital AM and FM radio.
• He then remarked that analog AM radio can be ill-suited for EVs (which currently constitute about 1 percent of the U.S. automobile market).
• He discussed how the high voltage electrical systems in EVs generate electromagnetic interference that distorts AM radio signals and that this interference can impact the listening experience for drivers and passengers.
  • He asserted that it is impossible to eliminate this interference and stated that techniques to reduce this interference would add weight to vehicles, reduce battery range, and impose significant costs.
• He questioned the wisdom of pursuing the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 given that the elimination of AM radios is impacting a small number of vehicles and will take a long time to actualize.
• He then remarked that automobile manufacturers will continue to make alerts available from FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) inside vehicles on all platforms.
  • He noted that these alerts would remain available for free, even if customers do not subscribe to certain technologies.
• He also stated that automobile manufacturers support providing customers with clear disclosures when vehicles do not include analog AM radios.
• He further stated that automobile manufacturers would support including emergency portable AM radios in new vehicles that do not contain analog AM radios upon customer request.
  • He commented that these emergency portable AM radios would be similar to the first aid and tire kits that are currently in new vehicles.
• He remarked that Congress has time to ask the GAO to study the feasibility of mandating AM radios in new vehicles and the role that analog AM radios play in the U.S. government’s overall emergency alert protocols.
• He contended that his recommendations constitute reasonable ways to address AM radio during emergency situations without requiring the inclusion of analog AM radios in all new vehicles.
• He then discussed how Congress had created NHTSA to issue federal motor vehicle safety standards.
  • He commented that NHTSA decides whether to require lifesaving consumer technologies after studying potential consumer acceptance and engaging in a rulemaking process with a cost-benefit analysis.
• He raised concerns that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would enable NHTSA to mandate any type of vehicle equipment that exists beyond the scope of vehicle safety.
  • He asserted that NHTSA should be narrowly focused on vehicle safety issues and warned that NHTSA might use the authority granted under the discussion draft legislation to mandate other types of technologies.

Mr. Justin Ahasteen (Navajo Nation):

• He remarked that the U.S. has a duty to ensure the safety and welfare of Native Americans in perpetuity in accordance with Tribal treaties and commented that access to reliable communications channels (such as AM radio) is a critical aspect of public safety, democracy, and community cohesion.
• He mentioned how his Tribe, the Navajo Nation, had established KTNN to serve as the primary radio broadcaster for the Navajo people.
  • He noted how the Navajo Nation had largely established this radio station to ensure that Navajo elders with limited English proficiency could receive important community announcements in the Navajo language.
• He discussed how the Navajo Nation’s reservation covers over 27,000 square miles and its most remote residents generally communicate primarily in the Navajo language (which necessitates the need for AM radio service).
  • He mentioned how the Navajo Nation had decided to build KTNN as an AM radio station to ensure that the station’s signal reaches as many Navajo citizens as possible.
• He mentioned how the FCC had authorized KTNN to launch one of the last 500-watt AM radio stations on a clear channel in the U.S.
  • He indicated that all parts of the Navajo Nation can access KTNN and that KTNN’s signal extends beyond the Tribe’s land.
• He discussed how there exist “significant” differences between AM and FM radio signals and noted how FM radio stations have superior audio quality.
  • He mentioned how KTNN also maintains an FM channel because of FM radio’s superior audio quality.
• He highlighted however that FM radio stations have a more limited broadcast range and added that geographical features (such as mountains) can reduce this broadcast range.
  • He commented that while FM radio stations provide a feasible broadcast option for suburban areas, he asserted that FM radio stations are less suited for covering larger regions (such as the Navajo Nation).
• He testified that the Navajo Nation would need to build dozens of radio towers across its land to achieve AM radio’s reach using FM radio stations.
  • He described such an approach as “economically impractical” and asserted that AM radio provides the only feasible solution for providing radio coverage to the entire Navajo nation.
• He then stated that AM radio does not solely provide entertainment and noted how Navajo Nation members rely upon AM radio for public safety updates.
  • He commented that other communications options (such as FM radio, cellular service, and satellite radio) provide limited or inconsistent coverage, can be cost prohibitive, often ignore local and regional issues, and offer limited non-English language programming.
• He remarked that the Navajo Nation’s radio channels are crucial for providing emergency alerts and indicated that the Navajo Nation employs a daisy chain system to provide these alerts.
  • He commented that the far-reaching capabilities of AM radio transmitters enable the Navajo Nation’s remote communities to remain informed on current world and local news in the Navajo language.
• He expressed the Navajo Nation’s support for the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024.
  • He asserted that lifesaving information and public information should be readily accessible and not dependent solely on cellular networks, broadband, or satellite subscription-based services.

Congressional Question Period:

Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL):

• Chairman Bilirakis discussed how category 4 and category 5 hurricanes are common in his state of Florida. He stated that access to AM radio can be “lifesaving” during the periods before and after hurricanes because of potential electrical and cellular service outages. He asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss how her broadcasting company has used AM radio in critical moments to convey public safety information.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper expressed agreement with Chairman Bilirakis’s statements. She mentioned how her region had recently experienced a tornado and emphasized how AM radio provides alerts before, during, and after adverse weather events. She emphasized that AM radio can convey critical information to communities even when cellular service is out. She also stated that cellular phone emergency alerts often direct alert recipients to listen to their local broadcasters to receive additional information. She reiterated her assertion that AM radio plays a critical function in disbursing public safety information during emergency situations.
• Chairman Bilirakis asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to clarify whether her broadcast company’s radio stations are also available on FM channels.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper testified that her broadcast company only operates AM radio stations. She also mentioned how her city of Chicago has a PEP station and indicated that her AM radio stations can retransmit broadcasts from this PEP station during emergency periods. She reiterated that her broadcast company’s AM radio stations can provide critical information to residents before, during, and after emergencies.
• Chairman Bilirakis then noted how the Navajo Nation is largely rural. He asked Mr. Ahasteen to discuss the reliability of AM radio (particularly during emergency periods). He also asked Mr. Ahasteen to elaborate on how the Navajo Nation concurrently broadcasts its radio content on FM radio channels and how these FM radio channels have more limited reach.
  • Mr. Ahasteen called it important for emergency alerts to be communicated to people in their native languages. He stated that AM radio stations (including KTNN) are uniquely able to provide this capability. He highlighted how AM radio plays a critical role in communicating weather alerts to the Navajo Nation and emphasized that the Navajo Nation faces significant cellular service and broadband access challenges. He further disputed previous assertions that it would take many years for the current fleet of vehicles to be phased out. He mentioned how vehicles within the Navajo Nation tend to be phased out more quickly due to the Nation’s more challenging terrain. He highlighted how most of the roads within the Navajo Nation are unpaved, which impacts the lifespan of vehicles. He warned that the inability for Navajo Nation members to purchase vehicles containing AM radios could create future problems for these members that ultimately result in public safety crises.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL):

• Ranking Member Schakowsky asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss how her broadcast company’s AM radio stations impact local communities. She also commented that AM radio plays a key role in serving underrepresented groups (including women, Blacks, and Latinas).
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper mentioned how her broadcast company’s AM radio station WVON’s name stands for “Voice of the Negro.” She remarked that WVON has served as a “vital voice” within the Chicago community supporting the city’s Black community. She stated that WVON serves Chicago’s Black community through providing entertainment, caregiver seminars, senior breakfasts, and maternal mortality campaigns. She mentioned how WVON had partnered with Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) on her maternal mortality campaign. She added that AM radio stations can provide sports, religious, and rural-focused content to listeners. She further mentioned how her broadcast company maintains another AM radio station that serves Chicago’s Latino community. She stated that the FCC provides AM radio stations with licenses to serve their communities. She expressed optimism regarding the prospects for AM radio and that AM radio can leverage new technologies to reach future generations.
• Ranking Member Schakowsky asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss how her broadcast company’s AM radio stations serve older Americans.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper mentioned how many people have listened to her broadcast company’s AM radio station throughout their entire lives. She testified that this AM radio station offers services related to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. She highlighted how the AM radio station hosts a yearly senior breakfast that provides health care screenings. She added that the AM radio station provides education related to caregiving and banking. She further stated that handicapped individuals rely upon the AM radio station.
• Ranking Member Schakowsky interjected to ask Mr. Ahasteen to indicate whether many Navajo Nation members would not have access to communications absent the Tribe’s AM radio station.
  • Mr. Ahasteen remarked that many Navajo Nation members would not have access to communications absent the Tribe’s AM radio station. He estimated that 70 percent of the Navajo Nation lacks broadband connectivity and cellular connection. He stated that while the Navajo Nation is working to address its broadband connectivity and cellular connection challenges, he lamented that tools meant to support the transition to these new technologies are being removed. He specifically raised concerns over Congress’s failure to reauthorize the FCC’s ACP. He commented that the ACP supports the ability of Navajo Nation members to obtain necessary equipment to connect to broadband service.
• Ranking Member Schakowsky interjected to indicate that her question period time had expired. She called the reauthorization of the FCC’s ACP important.

Full Committee Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA):

• Chairman McMorris Rodgers stated while she has concerns over having the federal government mandate specific obligations for the private sector, she asserted that Congress must address corporate decisions that contradict the public interest. She commented that this problem is evident in the automobile industry’s failure to include analog AM radios in its newer vehicles. She also remarked that this problem is evident in large technology companies failing to protect the personal information of Americans. She mentioned how the Committee is working to enact a comprehensive consumer data privacy and security law to ensure that people have the right to privacy and control over their own information. She asserted that the main takeaway of the hearing should be that companies must be “thoughtful stewards” of their own products and balance innovation with consumer interests. She specifically expressed interest in preserving AM radio moving forward. She asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss how the removal of analog AM radios from vehicles would impact American access to diverse and reliable information.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper remarked that the removal of analog AM radios from vehicles would have a “devastating” effect on Americans that rely upon AM radio for diverse and reliable community information. She asserted that the removal of analog AM radios from vehicles would destroy the continued viability of AM radio stations. She warned that this would result in a reduction of entertainment content and safety information. She stated that AM radio is more reliable than all other current communication sources. She remarked that Congress should not allow the AM radio industry to be destroyed.
• Chairman McMorris Rodgers then mentioned how her state of Washington has federally recognized tribes. She noted how Mr. Ahasteen had discussed how various tribes have invested in tribally-controlled radio stations to provide specific services to their tribe members. She asked Mr. Ahasteen to discuss how removing analog AM radios from vehicles would impact the Navajo Nation. She also asked Mr. Ahasteen to indicate whether there exist concerns that such removals would result in perspectives being silenced and access to lifesaving public safety information being lost.
  • Mr. Ahasteen expressed the Navajo Nation’s concerns over recent actions to remove analog AM radios from vehicles. He described the Navajo Nation’s broadband connectivity and cellular connection as “very sparse” and remarked that the Navajo Nation’s only reliable communications source is AM radio. He stated that Navajo Nation members are unlikely to receive flash flood warnings on their cellular phones because the cellular phones tend to be older models and cellular connectivity is often unavailable. He commented that this inability to deliver flash flood warnings to cellular phones can lead Navajo Nation members to drive into hazardous situations.
• Chairman McMorris Rodgers asked Mr. Ahasteen to respond to the arguments that consumers can still access AM radio outside of vehicles.
  • Mr. Ahasteen stated that he did not know which tools for addressing radio service would be made available to consumers. He discussed how satellite radio service requires a subscription to access and commented that a satellite radio subscription is cost prohibitive for many Navajo Nation members. He noted how the Navajo Nation’s average annual income is under $20,000 per household. He expressed opposition to proposals that would force consumers to purchase additional tools to receive basic public information.
• Chairman McMorris Rodgers then asked Mr. Bozzella to indicate whether the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supports providing AM radio in vehicles for free.
  • Mr. Bozzella stated that AM radio is currently free in vehicles. He expressed the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s commitment to ensuring that emergency broadcasts (especially IPAWS) will always be freely available on multiple platforms. He stated that there will be no need for a subscription to hear an emergency broadcast.
• Chairman McMorris Rodgers asked Mr. Bozzella to indicate whether there would be fees associated with accessing other broadcasts.
  • Mr. Bozella answered no. He noted how 99 percent of current vehicles on the road in the U.S. have analog AM radio, FM radio, and streaming services for free. He stated that there may occur a gradual increase in the number of vehicles without analog AM radios over the next 30 years because analog AM radios can create significant interference with safety and emissions systems. He emphasized that over 90 percent of vehicles currently for sale contain analog AM radios. He called it important for customers to have the ability to obtain analog AM radios in their vehicles so long as the customers desire the radios.

Full Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ):

• Ranking Member Pallone called the ability to quickly mass distribute alerts and other information during emergency situations “essential” for saving lives. He asserted that access to AM radio (particularly for people in vehicles) is critical. He mentioned how critics of the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 argue that access to AM radio in vehicles is not necessary for protecting public health. He noted how these critics claim that other communication channels (such as streaming, cellular phones, push notifications, and FM radio stations) could substitute for AM radio stations in distributing emergency information. He stated however that these other communication channels can often be unreliable during hurricanes, fires, floods, and other emergency situations. He also stated that redundancies in the U.S. Emergency Alert System ensure that U.S. families can obtain public safety information during emergencies. He remarked that AM radio plays a crucial role in the U.S. Emergency Alert System because of its unique reliability during natural and manmade disasters. He asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss how AM radio stations are a “critical piece” of the U.S. Emergency Alert System. He also asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss how her broadcast company collaborates with public officials to ensure that the listeners of its AM radio stations receive up-to-the-minute alerts during emergency situations.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper described AM radio as the “backbone” of the U.S.’s emergency broadcasting system and stated that AM radio service can withstand extreme weather events. She recounted how the PEP station in Maui, Hawaii had served as the only source of emergency communications during the island’s recent wildfires. She stated that this episode demonstrates the significance and value of the U.S. Emergency Alert System and AM radio stations. She then remarked that AM radio had played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic. She mentioned how her broadcast company’s AM radio stations had carried information about unemployment benefits and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs during this period. She stated that AM radio stations provide critical information beyond emergency alerts and provide critical information before, during, and after emergency events.
• Ranking Member Pallone asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to address how removing analog AM radios from EVs would make consumers less safe and would impact the ability of Americans to receive possible lifesaving information.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper noted how analog AM radios are already in half of all EVs. She commented that it should not be difficult to put analog AM radios in the remaining half of EVs. She testified that she personally owns an EV and highlighted how this EV receives frequent upgrades. She reiterated her assertion that it should not be difficult to put analog AM radios in all vehicles. She called the inclusion of analog AM radios in all vehicles an important element of the U.S.’s emergency alert infrastructure.
• Ranking Member Pallone asked Mr. Ahasteen to discuss the additional hardships that Navajo Nation members would face if analog AM radios were to be removed from vehicles.
  • Mr. Ahasteen described AM radio as the “lifeline” for the Navajo Nation. He stated that the Navajo Nation lacks sufficient broadband infrastructure and that AM radio serves as the only reliable news source for the Tribe. He warned that the removal of analog AM radios from vehicles would harm the ability of the Navajo Nation to receive basic information and public safety alerts.

Subcommittee Vice Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI):

• Vice Chair Walberg remarked that AM radio provides a “vital community service” and highlighted how AM radio serves as one of the U.S.’s last sources of local content. He stated that preserving consumer access to AM radio content is necessary and commented that satellite radio does not provide the same level of local content and advertising. He also expressed support for consumer choice and asserted that consumers should drive corporate decisions regarding which products to make available. He mentioned how many of his constituents want to continue to have access to analog AM radios in their vehicles. He expressed optimism that Congress could achieve a viable legislative solution regarding this topic. He then mentioned how his Congressional District is very rural and noted how many parts of his Congressional District lack reliable internet connections. He asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss the current importance of AM radio to rural communities that lack reliable internet connections.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper highlighted how many Americans live in rural communities with insufficient technology infrastructure. She stated that AM radio can provide these communities with sports, religious, talk, and informational programming, as well as alerts during emergency situations.
• Vice Chair Walberg then noted how emergency alerts are distributed through multiple devices (including cellular phones). He asked Mr. Ahasteen to discuss the role that AM radio plays in conveying emergency information after initial emergency alerts are sent. He further asked Mr. Ahasteen to address how AM radio offers communications resiliency during emergency periods.
  • Mr. Ahasteen noted that the emergency communications being transmitted to cellular phones are not in the Navajo language.
• Vice Chair Walberg interjected to emphasize that AM radio is unique in its ability to distribute emergency alerts in languages other than English. He thanked Mr. Ahasteen for highlighting this characteristic of AM radio. He then mentioned how he had experienced radio interference in his vehicle after using his vehicle’s cellular phone charger. He asked Mr. Bozzella to discuss the current options for maintaining full access to AM radio in vehicles (including during emergency periods).
  • Mr. Bozzella noted how 99 percent of vehicles currently in the U.S. marketplace contain analog AM radios. He expressed the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s commitment to ensuring that the small number of vehicles without analog AM radios would still receive broadcast emergency alerts for free. He remarked that customers should be notified at the point of sale as to whether a vehicle contains an analog AM radio. He commented that this notification would support customers in making informed vehicle purchasing decisions. He further discussed how crank and battery-powered AM radios can provide AM radio service to drivers and noted how these AM radios can be removed from vehicles during evacuation scenarios. He stated that automobile manufacturers are prepared to provide crank and battery-powered AM radios in vehicles that do not contain analog AM radios.
• Vice Chair Walberg indicated that his question period time had expired. He stated that he would remember Mr. Bozzella’s commitments to the Subcommittee.

Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL):

• Rep. Castor called AM radio “vital” to her constituents and mentioned how a recent Neilsen report had found that broadcast radio remains the media platform with the greatest reach. She noted how broadcast radio reaches 91 percent of the U.S. population in a given month. She stated that the U.S. must protect access to broadcast radio and mentioned how she is a sponsor of the U.S. House of Representatives Concurrent Resolution Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act. She explained that this resolution reaffirms Congress’s support for local broadcast radio stations and opposes the imposition of any new taxes or fees on local radio broadcasts. She then discussed how her state of Florida’s residents rely upon broadcast radio for critical information both during and after hurricanes. She noted how there exist concerns that future hurricanes will only become more intense and called it critical for the U.S. to maintain radio broadcast capabilities. She mentioned how seven former FEMA Directors had released a letter highlighting the importance of AM radio in supporting the U.S. Emergency Alert System. She asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss how radio broadcasters interact with emergency management officials both during and after periods of crisis.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper noted how the U.S. has over 70 PEP stations. She explained how these stations can quickly transmit critical communications to AM radio stations for public distribution during emergency periods.
• Rep. Castor mentioned how opponents of the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 note that a small number of Americans had reported receiving an alert from AM radio during the recent October 2023 test of the U.S. Emergency Alert System. She highlighted however that this test had occurred during a non-emergency period. She asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to indicate whether this result would likely be repeated during an actual disaster situation where internet, power, and cellular service may be down.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper remarked that PEP stations ensure that emergency alerts remain available during internet, power, and cellular service outages. She stated that while alerts from non-AM radio sources can supplement the U.S. Emergency Alert System, she noted that these alerts will often direct alert recipients to listen to AM radio for additional emergency information. She remarked that this dynamic demonstrates the importance of analog AM radio during emergency periods. She described AM radio as the “backbone” of the U.S. Emergency Alert System.

Note: The Subcommittee took an approximately one hour and ten minute recess at this point of the hearing for votes.

Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC):

• Rep. Duncan mentioned how he serves as a Chairman of the Congressional Broadcasters Caucus and is a co-sponsor of legislation that would ensure that all new vehicles in the U.S. would continue to include AM radio service. He mentioned how AM radio serves as a source of sports, Christian, and conservative talk programming in his Congressional District. He asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to explain why other communication mediums are unable to replicate the reach and reliability of AM radio during emergency periods.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper remarked that AM radio is special because it is live, local, and trusted. She stated that AM radio’s offerings extend beyond emergency alerts and noted how AM radio can convey critical information before, during, and after emergencies.
• Rep. Duncan also expressed appreciation for the perspective offered by Mr. Ahasteen at the hearing. He then noted how Mr. Shapiro had published an op-ed where he had warned about the U.S.’s overreliance on technology for emergency alerts and that the U.S. requires backup capabilities for these alerts. He asked Mr. Shapiro to indicate whether having the U.S. solely rely upon streaming for emergency alerts would make the U.S. Emergency Alert System vulnerable.
  • Mr. Shapiro called redundancy important for the U.S. Emergency Alert System. He remarked that the referenced op-ed argued that there should exist backup capabilities for emergency alerts. He expressed support for having crank radios included in emergency kits. He then discussed how AM radio has similar performance to FM radio and commented that the performance is only different at night and when there is clear weather.
• Rep. Duncan interjected to comment that emergencies do not always occur during the daytime and when there is clear weather.
  • Mr. Shapiro confirmed Mr. Shapiro’s comment. He stated that the average American has six different technologies in their vehicle to receive information and entertainment. He remarked that there exists no perfect information source that will always be functioning. He highlighted how satellite technology has the benefit of having national reach and how other types of technologies offer two-way communications capabilities. He indicated that these technologies with two-way communications capabilities include citizens band (CB) radios, telephones, and Family Radio Service (FRS) devices. He commented that people should have these technologies in their vehicles.
• Rep. Duncan interjected to note that Mr. Shapiro had previously called for increasing the availability of crank and solar-powered radios and phones with FM radio options. He also noted how Mr. Shapiro had called on smartphone manufacturers to consider making FM radio available on devices when technically feasible. He asked Mr. Shapiro to explain why the U.S. should promote the inclusion of radio broadcasting features in smartphones and not promote the inclusion of analog AM radios in EVs. He stated that Americans are already accustomed to having AM radios in their cars and that AM broadcasting serves as a “bedrock” of federal emergency management policy. He commented that there exist rural areas that have poor satellite radio service and reliable AM radio service. He asked Mr. Shapiro to acknowledge that media cannot always be streamed in vehicles.
  • Mr. Shapiro remarked that he does not oppose AM radio. He noted however that sales of non-vehicle AM radios have fallen by 80 percent over the previous three decades. He asserted that the U.S. should not mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles, especially considering how there exist alternative technologies that provide similar benefits.
• Rep. Duncan indicated that his question period time had expired.

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI):

• Rep. Dingell remarked that AM radio remains a key element of the U.S. Emergency Alert System and emphasized that AM radio is reliable when other communications networks fail. She noted how some automobile manufacturers had announced that they would remove analog AM radios from their vehicles. She indicated however that some of these automobile manufacturers have subsequently reversed these decisions. She asserted that the U.S. must ensure that all Americans can freely access lifesaving information during emergencies through interconnected, innovative, and overlapping emergency communications services. She stated however that the U.S. cannot undermine domestic innovation. She mentioned how FEMA and the FCC recently conducted a test of the U.S. Emergency Alert System in October 2023. She asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss the importance of the U.S. maintaining a reliable emergency communications system. She also asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to address how the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would improve and modernize IPAWS.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper called it paramount for the U.S. to maintain a sufficient apparatus for emergency alerts. She noted how Congress had bolstered the U.S.’s PEP stations following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to ensure that the President can reach most Americans through AM radio. She described these PEP stations as the U.S.’s “first line of defense” from emergencies and emphasized that these PEP stations enable communications before, during, and after emergency events.
• Rep. Dingell also emphasized that the redundancy in the U.S.’s emergency communications system is a crucial component of the system. She asked Mr. Bozzella to indicate whether the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would be helpful in identifying further investments and authorities for modernizing and bolstering the U.S.’s emergency communications infrastructure.
  • Mr. Bozzella called it appropriate for the U.S. government to continue studying effective broadcasting strategies as consumer tastes and technologies change. He asserted that no one (including automobile manufacturers) wants to eliminate AM radio broadcasting. He criticized the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 for seeking to study AM radio’s use only after analog AM radios are mandated for inclusion in vehicles. He stated that the U.S. should first study AM radio’s use before it mandates the inclusion of analog AM radios in all vehicles.
• Rep. Dingell remarked that while it would be preemptive to fully mandate analog AM radios in all vehicles, she asserted that it would also be preemptive to remove analog AM radios from vehicles without studies. She then expressed appreciation for the fact that the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s member companies have committed to providing access to free emergency alerts to consumers. She noted how the Alliance for Automotive Innovation had previously discussed with the Committee the importance of consumer access to safety information. She asked Mr. Bozzella to indicate whether the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s member companies are committed to providing free access to emergency information to their customers.
  • Mr. Bozzella expressed the commitment of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s member companies to providing free access to emergency information to their customers. He also expressed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that customers are made aware at the point of sale when their vehicles do not include analog AM radios. He further expressed the organization’s commitment to providing battery-powered or crank AM radios to customers that purchase vehicles that do not include analog AM radios.
• Rep. Dingell remarked that consumers should not need to incur additional charges to access “lifesaving” emergency information. She called it “crucial” for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s member companies to make clear how their customers will receive this emergency information in their vehicles. She asked Mr. Bozzella to indicate how customers would receive emergency alerts when the customers are unable to access the internet when in their vehicles.
  • Mr. Bozzella noted how over 90 percent of current vehicles possess analog AM radios. He also noted how over 90 percent of vehicles currently for sale have analog AM radios. He remarked that customers would continue to possess a multiplicity of platforms for accessing emergency information. He indicated that these platforms include digital radio, satellite, analog AM radio, and analog FM radio. He stated that automobile companies would provide analog AM radios to vehicles without analog AM radio receivers if the customers desire such radios. He commented that AM radio content is important and asserted that no one wants to take away this content.
• Note: Rep. Dingell’s question period time expired here.

Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL):

• Rep. Dunn discussed the importance of AM radio to Americans and how AM radio offers a “broad range” of programming and essential emergency announcements. He noted how the long wavelengths of AM radio signals enable AM radio broadcasts to be heard from hundreds of miles away. He commented that this feature makes AM radio an “ideal” form of communication during emergency periods and for reaching rural areas. He noted how his Congressional District contains rural areas that are not served by FM radio stations. He stated that AM radio offers a reliable means of communication for his Congressional District’s rural areas during emergencies (such as Hurricanes) and internet outages. He expressed confusion over proposals that would eliminate AM radio access. He noted how there are 82 million monthly AM radio listeners and just 2 million EV drivers. He commented that the concerns that AM radio creates electromagnetic interference do not warrant removing analog AM radios from vehicles. He then mentioned how his Congressional District had experienced tornados earlier in 2024 and indicated that much of his Congressional District’s wireless infrastructure is currently being rebuilt. He stated that this damaged wireless infrastructure has left many of his constituents without cellular phone connectivity and indicated that these connectivity issues extend to more populated areas of his Congressional District. He also noted how hurricane season is soon approaching and raised concerns that some of his constituents have unknowingly purchased vehicles without analog AM radios. He asked Mr. Shapiro to address how these constituents should obtain lifesaving information when unexpected emergencies arise.
  • Mr. Shapiro noted that most people receive emergency alerts in their homes. He expressed frustration that automobile manufacturers are being expected to cover the cost of AM radio service. He stated that there now exist many ways to obtain AM radio programming, including via satellite, internet, and analog AM radio. He described proposals to mandate the inclusion of analog radios in vehicles as a “solution in terms of a problem.” He noted how 98 of the top 100 vehicle models sold over the previous year contained AM radios. He stated that the remaining vehicles without AM radios are generally EV manufacturers (such as Tesla). He discussed how there exist 100 different Chinese automobile manufacturers and indicated that most of these Chinese automobile manufacturers are focusing on EV designs. He warned that these Chinese automobile manufacturers are outcompeting U.S. automobile manufacturers. He expressed frustration that the U.S. is considering policies that would force U.S. automobile manufacturers to redesign their EVs, even though their customers often do not want analog AM radios in their EVs.
• Rep. Dunn dismissed concerns that AM radio would interfere with the operations of EVs. He then asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to indicate whether the listeners of her broadcast company’s AM radio stations all possess the ability to stream these AM radio stations.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper stated that while some of the listeners of her broadcast company’s AM radio stations do stream the stations, she commented that a “large swath” of these listeners use analog radios to access the stations.
• Rep. Dunn called it important for there to exist free access to AM radio via broadcast channels. He then asked Mr. Bozzella to indicate how much revenue automobile manufacturers tend to generate from applications and subscription services.
  • Mr. Bozzella indicated that he could not provide a precise estimate for the amount of revenue that automobile manufacturers generate from applications and subscription services. He stated however that this amount is very low and commented that the automobile industry’s business model is not centered around this revenue.
• Rep. Dunn remarked that automobile companies are seeking to collect significant amounts of data. He mentioned how original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have raised concerns that “right to repair” legislative proposals could limit their data collection capabilities.
  • Mr. Bozzella interjected to comment that data collection issues are distinct from the AM radio issues being considered at the hearing.
• Rep. Dunn interjected to remark that the amount of money associated with applications and subscription services raises questions regarding the automobile industry’s true motivations. He commented however that he does not have any evidence to support any conclusions. He then noted how AM radio has 80 million monthly listeners, which makes it the most popular means of communication. He asked Mr. Bozzella to indicate whether automobile manufacturers should continue to provide AM radio service in the immediate term.
  • Mr. Bozzella answered affirmatively and remarked that customers currently have choices in the vehicle market. He highlighted how more than 99 percent of current vehicles on the road contain analog AM radios and how more than 90 percent of vehicles currently for sale contain analog AM radios. He expressed the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s commitment to providing disclosures to customers at the point of sale when a vehicle does not contain an analog AM radio. He called AM radio important and emphasized that the Alliance for Automotive Innovation does not support the elimination of AM radio.

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL):

• Rep. Kelly expressed interest in ensuring that diverse voices can engage in the changing media landscape. She mentioned how Ms. Spann-Cooper’s radio stations have supported her efforts to address maternal mortality and have highlighted the importance of crib safety. She expressed her gratitude to Ms. Spann-Cooper’s radio stations for serving as a “trusted source” for news, entertainment, and education throughout the Chicago region. She asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss why it is important for her community’s members to possess the ability to access AM radio stations through their vehicles.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper called it important for the U.S. to keep analog AM radios in vehicles for emergency situations. She mentioned how her broadcast company’s AM radio stations had provided critical information to Rep. Kelly’s Congressional District during the District’s recent flooding. She highlighted how radio serves as the main entertainment option in vehicles and reiterated how AM radio can transmit critical information during emergency situations. She further mentioned how her broadcast company’s radio stations had conveyed critical information during a recent water crisis. She highlighted how her broadcast company’s website had provided a tool that allowed users to determine whether water contamination was present in their area based on zip codes. She stated that AM radio stations aid listeners during the periods surrounding emergency events.
• Rep. Kelly commented that AM radio stations generally serve as trusted sources of information (even outside of crisis periods). She then asked the witnesses to project the economic consequences of the U.S.’s failure to mandate that vehicles include analog AM radios.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper highlighted how her broadcast company has 43 employees and warned that the U.S.’s failure to mandate that vehicles should include analog AM radios could jeopardize these jobs. She further stated that her broadcast company’s radio stations provide important public services to Chicago’s Black and Hispanic communities.
  • Mr. Ahasteen remarked that the Navajo Nation’s KTNN broadcast radio station helps to support the Tribe’s economy. He expressed interest in ensuring that Navajo Nation members can receive information in a language that they can understand. He noted that many Navajo Nation members cannot understand emergency alerts in the English language. He stated that KTNN ensures that emergency alerts can be translated into the Navajo language and transmitted to the Navajo Nation.
• Rep. Kelly asked Mr. Shapiro to indicate whether there could exist a compromise solution for ensuring that consumers can continue to access AM radio broadcasts in their vehicles.
  • Mr. Shapiro answered affirmatively and remarked that AM radio provides an important service to the public. He also stated that analog AM radio has noise and signal issues and mentioned how the CTA is working with the NAB to address these issues through the adoption of technical specifications. He lamented however that these technical specifications have not been implemented and commented that this lack of implementation has damaged AM radio’s market share. He suggested that digital and streaming broadcasts of AM radio could solve these noise and signal issues. He then questioned the necessity of mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. He commented that there exist other ways to access AM radio service absent analog AM radios being included within vehicles. He asserted that such a mandate would be dangerous and would harm the U.S.’s competitiveness within the global EV space.

Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ):

• Rep. Lesko first thanked Mr. Ahasteen for highlighting the importance of AM radio for the Navajo Nation (which includes parts of her state of Arizona). She then noted how Mr. Bozzella had asserted that EVs and analog AM radio can have compatibility issues. She indicated however that approximately half of EV manufacturers are currently including analog AM radios in their EVs. She asked Mr. Bozzella to explain why all EV manufacturers cannot include analog AM radios in their EVs.
  • Mr. Bozzella discussed how EV manufacturers have different platforms, technology arrays, and design approaches. He stated that some EV manufacturers have designs that are better-suited for addressing the interference issues associated with analog AM radio. He emphasized that analog AM radios always present interference issues. He raised concerns that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would prioritize analog AM radio inclusion over all other technology and safety investments for automobile manufacturers. He stated that this legislation would force automobile manufacturers to make other tradeoffs related to vehicle safety and emissions. He asserted that this approach is suboptimal. He acknowledged however that there do exist ways for automobile manufacturers to address the compatibility issues between analog AM radio and EVs. He commented that it will take time and money to address these issues.
• Rep. Lesko asked Mr. Bozzella to estimate the additional costs and weight burdens associated with mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles.
  • Mr. Bozzella stated that mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in all vehicles would cost $3.8 billion.
• Rep. Lesko interjected to ask Mr. Bozzella to estimate the cost associated with mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles on a per vehicle basis.
  • Mr. Bozzella stated that the cost associated with mandating the inclusion of AM radios in vehicles will vary by manufacturer.
• Rep. Lesko interjected to express her interest in determining the cost associated with mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles on a per vehicle basis.
  • Mr. Bozzella suggested that the cost per vehicle of mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles could be estimated through dividing $3.8 billion by approximately 15 million vehicles annually. He asserted however that his concerns regarding this proposed mandate are not confined to the proposed mandate’s cost. He stated that the proposed legislation would mandate safety features outside of the standard federal motor vehicle safety standard setting process.
• Rep. Lesko interjected to ask Mr. Bozzella to estimate the additional weight burdens associated with mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles.
  • Mr. Bozzella stated that he did not know how much weight would be added to vehicles if analog AM radios are mandated. He expressed his willingness to follow up with Rep. Lesko on this question. He stated however that automobile manufacturers are very sensitive to weight concerns and that additional ounces of weight can impact vehicles.
• Rep. Lesko asked Mr. Bozzella to provide the Subcommittee with estimates regarding the additional costs and weight burdens associated with mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles on a per vehicle basis. She commented that these estimates will enable her to better assess whether the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would impose undue burdens on automobile manufacturers. She then discussed how her Congressional District has many senior citizens. She expressed concerns that these senior citizens are incapable of streaming AM radio. She asked Mr. Shapiro to respond to these concerns.
  • Mr. Shapiro acknowledged that senior citizens experience greater challenges streaming content. He stated however that over 99 percent of the vehicles that older Americans purchase are likely to contain analog AM radios. He described proposals to mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles as a “solution in search of a problem.” He mentioned how automobile manufacturers have agreed to provide conspicuous disclosures to customers when vehicles for sale do not contain analog AM radios. He stated that most vehicles will continue to contain analog AM radios and that EVs are the only vehicles that might discontinue the inclusion of analog AM radios. He recommended that the Subcommittee consider the Center for Automotive Research’s report that assessed the costs and complexities associated with mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. He asserted that these mandates would require certain EV manufacturers to completely overhaul their EV designs. He further warned that these mandates could drive smaller U.S. EV manufacturers out of business.
• Rep. Lesko indicated that her question period time had expired.

Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL):

• Rep. Soto discussed the importance of local AM radio to everyday life in his region of central Florida and commented that local AM radio is key for reaching his region’s Hispanic residents, senior citizens, and rural residents. He attributed AM radio’s appeal in these communities since AM radio is cheaper, has easier access, and contains localized content. He remarked that AM radio plays an especially important role during Florida’s hurricane season (especially during power and cellular network outages). He then asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss the AM radio reception in her personal EV.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper described the AM radio reception in her personal EV as “great” and commented that she does not have any reception problems in her personal EV. She noted how half of all EVs already contain analog AM radios and questioned why it is not possible to install analog AM radios in all EVs. She mentioned how Mr. Bozzella had suggested that automobile manufacturers could provide their customers with crank radios in lieu of installing analog AM radios in their vehicles. She asserted that it is not feasible to expect drivers to stop driving during emergencies to retrieve crank radios from vehicle trunks. She also highlighted how some studies estimate that there are minimal costs associated with mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. She called on the U.S. to pursue policies that would ensure that all EVs contain analog AM radios.
• Rep. Soto then discussed how nearly 10 percent of the new vehicles being purchased in the U.S. are EVs and highlighted how this figure is even higher in his state of Florida. He mentioned how he had voted in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and commented that this law had supported EV adoption efforts. He noted how his Congressional District contains the U.S.’s first used vehicle refurbishment Tesla dealership and will soon have the U.S.’s largest EV charging station. He highlighted how the average age of U.S. vehicles is approximately ten years. He then asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss the capital access landscape for broadcast companies within the short and medium terms.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper remarked that the chief value proposition that broadcast radio stations provide to advertisers is that the stations are live, local, and trusted. She stated that broadcast radio stations are best situated to connect advertisers with local communities.
• Rep. Soto then raised concerns that there is occurring a “growing nationalization” of American culture due to social media, the internet, national news, and satellite radio. He elaborated that Americans often have a better understanding of national news subjects as compared to local news subjects. He asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss the importance of AM radio for ensuring that U.S. citizens are informed about local issues.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper called it important for AM radio stations to educate their communities about local news events. She noted how AM radio can reach many communities through entertainment, sports, religion, and talk programming. She emphasized the important role that AM radio stations play in the U.S.’s emergency alert infrastructure.
• Rep. Soto highlighted the important role that AM radio stations play in broadcasting emergency information during hurricanes. He added that AM radio can provide emergency information in languages beyond English (which can support non-English speaking communities).

Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID):

• Rep. Fulcher questioned the claims that mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles would unduly burden on automobile manufacturers. He mentioned how Ford CEO Jim Farley has expressed confidence in the company’s ability to include analog AM radios in their vehicles. He then recounted how he had recently driven in rural parts of Idaho and Washington and noted how many parts of this drive had lacked FM radio signal and cellular reception. He indicated however that the AM radio signal was present throughout this drive. He asked Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella to respond to concerns that rural Americans could lose access to AM radio broadcasts in their vehicles.
  • Mr. Shapiro first stated that automobile companies make their own decisions regarding vehicle introductions. He then discussed how there exist other audio communications choices for vehicles beyond AM radio (such as satellite radio). He criticized broadcasters for failing to implement technological innovations within the audio communications space. He remarked that Congress is now seeking to prioritize one audio communications medium (i.e., AM radio) over all other audio communications mediums. He stated that Congress is framing its efforts to mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles as a safety issue. He asserted however that there does not exist research or data to support the claim that the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles constitutes a safety issue.
• Rep. Fulcher interjected to remark that there exists a safety issue if consumers cannot access AM radio.
  • Mr. Shapiro asserted that a special set of circumstances must occur before access to vehicle AM radio service becomes an issue. He noted how most people are not in their vehicles when emergencies occur. He stated that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 does not require that homes, businesses, or other places where people congregate possess analog AM radios. He emphasized that the proposed legislation only applies to vehicles.
• Rep. Fulcher interjected to emphasize that vehicles are mobile. He stated that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 is mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles because of the mobile nature of vehicles.
  • Mr. Shapiro interjected to note that motorcycles are also mobile. He also stated that AM radios need to be turned on to receive emergency information.
• Rep. Fulcher interjected to assert that a safety issue arises if consumers cannot obtain communications during an emergency.
  • Mr. Shapiro stated that consumers would need to have AM radio service turned on in their vehicles to know that an emergency is occurring. He also stated that the fact that satellite radio service would be down during an emergency would be indicative of an emergency taking place. He further stated that there must be an AM radio broadcaster physically located in the AM radio station to convey that an emergency is occurring.
• Rep. Fulcher asked Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Bozzella to indicate what he should tell his constituents that are concerned about their inability to access AM radio”’’’ in their vehicles.
  • Mr. Shapiro remarked that 99 percent of vehicles for sale contain analog AM radios and that access to analog AM radios should not be a concern.
  • Mr. Bozzella remarked that Rep. Fulcher’s constituents will be able to purchase vehicles with analog AM radios for the foreseeable future. He also expressed the commitment of automobile manufacturers to inform customers at the point of sale regarding whether vehicles contain analog AM radios. He stated that the hearing has improved consumer awareness regarding the small number of vehicles that lack analog AM radios. He commented that he would purchase a vehicle with analog AM radio if he lived in Rep. Fulcher’s Congressional District.

Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA):

• Rep. Obernolte remarked that he is conflicted regarding whether the U.S. should mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in all vehicles. He stated that he personally enjoys AM radio and noted that many of his constituents rely upon AM radio for news and information. He added that AM radio provides vital safety services to Americans. He remarked however that he has aversions to government mandates that force consumers to spend money on products and services. He commented that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would result in such mandates. He expressed disappointment that the hearing had not been able to determine the exact costs that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024 would impose on consumers. He mentioned how other Congressional Committees have considered policies to mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. He indicated that there are estimates that these policies would add at least $50 in costs to internal combustion engine vehicles. He noted that Mr. Bozzella’s previous responses would suggest that the cost of mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles would be around $250 per vehicle. He expressed interest in obtaining a more precise estimate regarding the cost of the proposed policy.
  • Mr. Bozzella expressed his commitment to providing the Subcommittee with an estimate regarding the additional cost per vehicle associated with mandating analog AM radios in vehicles.
• Rep. Obernolte stated that mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles would cost at least $50 per vehicle. He expressed reservations about forcing his constituents to purchase a technology for their vehicles that they might not want. He remarked however that the emergency communications capability of AM radio provides the only compelling argument for mandating the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. He noted how Mr. Bozzella had stated that AM radio is an outdated technology for emergency communications. He mentioned how there now exist low-orbit satellites that cover most of the earth and noted how satellite receivers are increasingly shrinking. He also noted how many cellular phones have built-in satellite communications capabilities that are two-way. He asked Mr. Bozzella to address why the U.S. should force consumers to invest in older communications technologies instead of building out newer technologies with two-way communications capabilities.
  • Mr. Bozzella called it important for the U.S. to first perform a study before it mandates the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. He noted how Congress had instructed FEMA to perform an analysis on communications modernization efforts. He indicated that FEMA had concluded that the U.S. must work to deliver emergency communications through multiple platforms. He added that the FCC had reached a similar conclusion in 2020. He stated that analog AM radio is declining in popularity and that this decline necessitates the use of multiple platforms for emergency communications. He remarked that his testimony should not be construed to assert that analog AM radio does not have a role to play in the U.S.’s emergency alert infrastructure. He reiterated however that the U.S. requires multiple platforms for emergency communications to ensure that people are prepared and informed during emergency events.
• Rep. Obernolte reiterated his request for more information regarding the additional costs and weights that would accompany the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles. He asserted that this information will be key for enabling Congress to determine whether it is appropriate to manage analog AM radios in all vehicles. He also acknowledged that these additional costs and weights would vary across internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND):

• Rep. Armstrong asked the witnesses to indicate whether the cost of mandating analog AM radios in EVs would exceed the rebates that the federal government provides for purchasing EVs. He remarked that AM radio remains the best means for providing emergency communications to rural regions. He indicated that he is not very concerned about the cost of mandating the inclusion of AM radios in vehicles because other technologies are not yet sufficiently reliable for providing emergency communications in rural regions. He stated that the federal government is pursuing policies to promote EV adoption and raised concerns that EV manufacturers are not sufficiently concerned about rural regions. He asserted that analog AM radios are essential for providing emergency alerts to rural areas and questioned whether EV manufacturers would have sufficient economic incentives to serve these areas moving forward. He then asked Mr. Ahasteen to confirm that only 4 percent of the Navajo Nation’s members have access to quality internet.
  • Mr. Ahasteen confirmed that only 4 percent of the Navajo Nation’s members have access to quality internet.
• Rep. Armstrong asked Mr. Ahasteen to indicate whether the Navajo Nation’s members rely upon AM radio for “crucial” public safety updates.
  • Mr. Ahasteen answered affirmatively.
• Rep. Armstrong asked Mr. Ahasteen to indicate whether public emergencies can impact the Navajo Nation.
  • Mr. Ahasteen answered affirmatively.
• Rep. Armstrong commented that the Navajo Nation and his state of North Dakota have similar driving environments. He asked Mr. Ahasteen to indicate whether maintaining the AM radio emergency broadcast system for all vehicles is crucial for ensuring that all possible mass communication methods are part of IPAWS.
  • Mr. Ahasteen answered affirmatively.
• Rep. Armstrong discussed how the U.S. maintains multiple communications methods for providing emergency alerts to its citizens. He commented that urban areas tend to have better access to these communications methods. He asserted that the U.S.’s increased mandates for EVs and stricter emissions standards are more problematic than proposed mandates for analog AM radios in vehicles. He commented that these EV mandates and stricter emissions standards create additional manufacturing challenges for automobile manufacturers. He mentioned how there is currently a federal regulation that would force all heavy farm trucks to be EVs. He commented that the additional cost and weight associated with installing analog AM radios in these vehicles are negligible compared to the cost and weight associated with electrifying all vehicles. He acknowledged that while low-orbit satellites might eventually be able to provide superior communications services to AM radio, he stated that AM radio is currently the best available communications technology. He reiterated that his state of North Dakota is too rural to attract sufficient non-AM radio coverage.

Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL):

• Chairman Bilirakis remarked that there exists strong demand from the American public for AM radio. He noted how Ford has decided to keep analog AM radios in their vehicles. He asked the witnesses to explain why it would be difficult for automobile manufacturers to include analog AM radios in their vehicles. He reiterated that the American public desires access to AM radio for emergency and entertainment purposes. He expressed agreement with Rep. Kelly Armstrong’s (R-ND) argument that analog AM radios are a very small portion of a vehicle’s overall costs.
  • Mr. Bozzella remarked that the vehicle marketplace is competitive and that automobile manufacturers will maintain different approaches to analog AM radio inclusions. He stated that some automobile manufacturers will continue to include analog AM radios and manage the interference associated with these inclusions. He remarked however that vehicles will require higher voltages moving forward. He explained that this higher voltage will be needed to support sensing capabilities for advanced safety features or electrification. He stated that higher voltage will create more interference and that this interference must be addressed. He also discussed how the automobile market is global in nature and remarked that automobile manufacturers will need to produce more efficient and longer-range batteries. He commented that these batteries will require more voltage and investments in motors, which will result in interference challenges. He stated that companies will need to respond to these interference challenges. He remarked that analog AM radio will remain available in the U.S. vehicle market for the foreseeable future. He stated that the U.S. should study AM radio’s impact on emergency alert access. He remarked however that policies to mandate the inclusion of analog AM radios in vehicles are fundamentally about innovation and competition.
• Chairman Bilirakis asked Mr. Bozzella to respond to Ms. Spann-Cooper’s testimony that her personal EV does not experience interference with its analog AM radio.
  • Mr. Bozzella noted how there currently are EVs available in the marketplace containing analog AM radios. He mentioned how his personal EV contains an analog AM radio.
• Chairman Bilirakis interjected to ask Mr. Bozzella to indicate whether his personal EV’s analog AM radio experiences any problems.
  • Mr. Bozzella testified that his personal EV’s analog AM radio occasionally experiences problems. He stated however that AM radio often has signal problems.
• Chairman Bilirakis interjected to acknowledge that AM radio often has signal challenges.
  • Mr. Bozzella remarked that automobile manufacturers will take different approaches to AM radio. He stated that Congress’s goal should be to encourage innovation within the communications technology space. He further stated that customers should be informed about the technologies present in their vehicles. He expressed appreciation for AM radio’s economic value. He noted how the automotive industry represents 10 million U.S. jobs and indicated that every $1 invested in automotive manufacturing jobs yields $3.45 in economic value. He stated that the automobile industry is an economic and national security industry focused on “cutting edge” technology. He commented that the automobile industry wants to continue providing value to the U.S.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA):

• Rep. Carter mentioned how his Congressional District is prone to hurricanes and natural disasters. He recounted how his Congressional District had experienced a chemical plant fire in 2023 that resulted in evacuations. He noted that a local AM radio station had provided live coverage of the chemical plant fire and had provided important updates to local residents regarding the fire. He described this local AM radio station’s coverage of the fire as “invaluable.” He also remarked that his constituents depend on AM radio for updates during hurricanes. He asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to explain how the AM radio band is the most resilient radio band to inclement weather and fires.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper noted how AM radio works on an analog system and can bypass mountains. She also mentioned how the U.S. had established its PEP station system following the September 11th terrorist attacks. She explained that the U.S. had invested in over 70 PEP stations to provide emergency alerts via AM radio and highlighted how these PEP stations enable the President to reach 90 percent of all Americans. She stated that no other emergency communications systems have these same capabilities. She noted that while other forms of emergency communications can provide emergency alerts, she emphasized that these other forms of emergency communications cannot provide instructions to the American population. She concluded that AM radio stations derive their popularity from the fact that they are live, local, and trusted.
• Rep. Carter asked Ms. Spann-Cooper to discuss the coordination that takes place between AM radio broadcasters and local emergency personnel.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper remarked that the public safety community is “very supportive” of AM radio stations. She mentioned how Chicago’s police department and fire department commissioners make regular appearances on her broadcast company’s radio stations. She emphasized that AM radio provides information before, during, and after emergencies. She stated that other communications technologies cannot provide the same levels of community engagement as AM radio.
  • Mr. Shapiro remarked that PEP stations do not necessarily need to be AM radio stations. He stated that television stations, FM radio stations, or satellite radio services could serve as primary emergency alert sources. He noted that Congress had mandated that the U.S. Emergency Alert System reach 90 percent of the U.S. population and that the U.S. Emergency Alert System is achieving this mandate through AM radio stations.
  • Ms. Spann-Cooper noted how FM radio broadcast transmitters are located on top of buildings while AM radio broadcast transmitters are located on the ground. She stated that AM radio broadcast transmitters are less likely to be located in catastrophe-prone areas, which makes them more reliable. She asserted that AM radio is critical for enabling emergency communication during times of crisis.
• Rep. Carter asked Mr. Shapiro to respond to Ms. Spann-Cooper’s previous argument.
  • Ms. Shapiro stated that one must be listening to AM radio during an emergency situation to become aware of the emergency situation.
• Rep. Carter interjected to remark that people will turn on their AM radios during emergency situations.
  • Mr. Shapiro remarked that the ability of AM radio stations to convey emergency information depends on the AM radio stations being manned. He stated that it remains unclear as to how often AM radio stations are manned. He noted how many AM radio stations are manned electronically from remote locations.
• Rep. Carter interjected to assert that AM radio stations will be manned in anticipation of and in response to emergency events.
  • Mr. Shapiro remarked that there have been instances involving train derailments and similar emergencies where AM radio stations have been unmanned.
• Rep. Carter interjected to assert that people will quickly seek out AM radio stations if an emergency occurs. He lastly disputed the claims that the electrical interference challenges posed by analog AM radios in EVs cannot be addressed.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL):

• Ranking Member Schakowsky expressed pleasure with the hearing’s high turnout and stated that there exist bipartisan concerns over efforts to remove analog AM radios from vehicles.

Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL):

• Chairman Bilirakis asked the witnesses to project the financial costs for radio stations associated with not including analog AM radios in vehicles. He requested that the witnesses respond to this question in writing. He also remarked that many Americans rely upon AM radio stations on a daily basis.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (D-IL):

• Ranking Member Schakowsky expressed agreement with Chairman Bilirakis’s request for information regarding the financial costs for radio stations associated with not including analog AM radios in vehicles.