NAB Rolls Out Hyper-Local AM Advocacy Spots

Why It Matters

Targeted advocacy amplifies pressure on lawmakers, increasing the likelihood that the AM Act becomes law and secures AM radio as a standard vehicle feature.

Key Takeaways

• NAB launches state‑specific AM advocacy radio spots.
• Spots thank legislators by name for supporting AM Radio Act.
• Bill has over 375 co‑sponsors in House and Senate.
• Trump reiterates support on Hugh Hewitt Show.
• AM Act would mandate AM radios in all new cars.

Pulse Analysis

The push to preserve AM radio in vehicles reflects a broader industry battle against the gradual removal of legacy technology from modern cars. Automakers have been phasing out AM receivers to reduce weight and cost, especially in electric and hybrid models, sparking concerns among broadcasters and listeners who rely on free, over‑the‑air content for news, emergency alerts, and community programming. By mandating AM radios as standard equipment, the proposed legislation aims to safeguard a critical public‑service platform that remains accessible without subscription fees or data plans.

NAB’s hyper‑local PSA strategy leverages the power of personalization to turn abstract policy debates into concrete, community‑level conversations. By naming legislators and thanking them directly, the spots create a reciprocal dynamic: elected officials receive public acknowledgment, while constituents hear a clear call to action. Deploying these messages ahead of the NAB State Leadership Conference maximizes exposure among key industry stakeholders and aligns the timing with intensified lobbying efforts, reinforcing the narrative that preserving AM radio is a bipartisan priority.

If enacted, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would compel the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States to include AM receivers. This mandate could reshape supply chains, prompting manufacturers to redesign infotainment systems and potentially opening new revenue streams for component suppliers. For consumers, it ensures continued access to free radio, especially in rural areas where broadband coverage is limited, reinforcing the public‑interest value of over‑the‑air broadcasting in an increasingly digital media landscape.