Members of the Kansas House expressed their strong support for a resolution urging Congress to compel federal transportation safety officials to require the installation of an AM broadcast station-capable equipment in all new motor vehicles.
The House voted 109-14 in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 5026, which urged the Kansas congressional delegation and leaders of the United States House and Senate to utilize their political clout to intervene in the production of cars and trucks for domestic markets.
The nonbinding resolution stressed the importance of AM radio and expressed support for a congressional effort to pass legislation requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to adopt a rule making AM radios standard in new vehicles.
Kansas Association of Broadcasters president Allison Mazzei said AM reception in vehicles was important for emergency preparedness, support of the agriculture industry and to meet general information needs of rural communities.
"Radio serves as a cornerstone of communication," Mazzei said. "The Kansas Association of Broadcasters has diligently advocated for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, meeting with every member of our state's federal delegation to garner support for this crucial legislation. We are pleased to report that each member has acknowledged the significance of AM radio and has committed to co‐sponsoring the bill."
Federal legislation would require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in vehicles without a separate payment, fee or surcharge beyond the base price of the device. Vehicle manufacturers would have to disclose to consumers when vehicles lacked the ability to access AM broadcast radio, she said.
