NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis emphasized the importance of AM radio in emergency situations during a legislative hearing titled “Preserving Americans’ Access to AM Radio.”

Speaking at the hearing, Bilirakis highlighted the crucial role of AM radio in ensuring public safety during emergencies, stating, “Our citizens should have quick access to critical information, which helps them make timely and potentially lifesaving decisions to evacuate, stay in place, seek shelter, or contact first responders.”

Bilirakis also pointed out the significance of AM radio in reaching a wide audience, especially in diverse settings. He mentioned, “people in my district and elsewhere in the most diverse of settings enjoy the differing viewpoints and local perspectives that AM Radio offers.”

The congressman expressed concerns about the possibility of certain automobile manufacturers eliminating AM radio options for consumers, stating, “I believe we should maintain as many available options for Americans as possible.”

To address these concerns, Bilirakis introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which aims to ensure that new vehicles have access to AM radio stations. He acknowledged the need for a balanced approach, stating, “I hope we can have a robust and constructive discussion from each of our witnesses to ensure that we get this right, and that we are not inadvertently hampering innovation both now and in the future.”

In conclusion, Bilirakis emphasized the importance of preserving access to AM radio for all Americans, stating, “Americans deserve to have the highest number of options for how they receive information in their homes and in their cars.”

The legislative hearing highlighted the ongoing efforts to maintain access to AM radio as a reliable source of information and emergency alerts for the American public.