As momentum builds in Congress for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt joined WMAL’s O’Connor and Company in Washington, DC, to spotlight the growing grassroots movement in support of broadcasters and regulatory reform. Speaking to listeners, LeGeyt emphasized the urgent need for legislative action to protect free, over-the-air AM radio as automakers shift toward all-digital dashboards.
“Local broadcasters, both radio and television, face regulatory restrictions that limit our ability to grow, compete for advertising, reach audiences, and secure content like sports,” LeGeyt said. In contrast, he noted, tech platforms operate with fewer limitations. “We’re not asking for a handout. We’re just asking to compete.”
LeGeyt cited recent pressure on the FCC to revisit outdated broadcast ownership rules. “Chairman Brendan Carr has heard from more than 70 House members, over 20 senators led by Jerry Moran, and more than 20 public interest groups—all urging the FCC to act now,” he said. Reform, he added, is necessary to ensure broadcasters can compete fairly in today’s media landscape.
Meanwhile, support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is quickly approaching a critical milestone. In May and June alone, 56 House members signed on as co-sponsors—30 in May and another 26 in June—bringing the total to 211, just eight short of a majority. The Senate version of the bill has already secured 61 bipartisan co-sponsors, enough to overcome a filibuster. Led by Senators Ted Cruz and Ed Markey, the bill aims to preserve access to AM radio in new vehicles for public safety and emergency communications.
LeGeyt emphasized AM radio’s role in crisis response. “We are on the air in times of emergency—when cell networks fail, when the power is out,” he said. “Automakers need to put public safety above profit margins.”
He encouraged listeners to support the effort by visiting DependOnAM.com, where they can contact lawmakers directly. “More than 800,000 radio listeners have already reached out to their representatives,” LeGeyt noted. He also directed audiences to the NAB’s website for more information on broader broadcast reform efforts, underscoring the need to protect local stations and keep them on the air.