AM Radio Act Passes in the House
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act made its way through the House of Representatives yesterday (9/15) and will move on to the Senate. The bill would mandate that the Department of Transportation require automakers provide AM radios in all new passenger cars sold in the U.S. without an additional charge. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “Today’s decisive House passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant step forward for the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio for lifesaving emergency information, trusted news and a vital connection to their communities.”
Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia chairman and CEO states, “The House’s passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant victory for public safety, local communities and the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio every day.”
John Catsimatidis, chairman and CEO, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio, says, “I am glad that common sense has prevailed in Washington DC. The American people are on the side of common sense.”
TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Now all AM operators should take advantage of this by filling their beleaguered frequencies with inspired, original and absolutely necessary content, or it will prove to be a temporary and culturally flimsy reprieve.”
Carr of “illegally targeting broadcast networks and media companies perceived to be unfavorably covering the Trump Administration – wasting critical agency resources on bogus investigations in the process.” The lawmakers are also questioning Carr’s “commitment to his agency’s independence, given his frequent trips with the president to Mar-a-Lago and his targeting of entities that the president has criticized or sued in his personal capacity.” Committee Ranking Members says that “under Carr’s leadership, the FCC has harassed CBS for routine editing practices, reinstated lawfully denied complaints against ABC and NBC, launched a bogus investigation into KCBS-AM in San Jose simply for reporting publicly available information, and directed the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to launch investigations into NPR and PBS based on false allegations.” The Committee is requesting documents and communications “related to its investigations of media entities,” “all communications between Carr and current White House officials and between Carr and other Trump Administration officials that relate to investigations,” as well as Carr’s travel records.