Broadcasters urge federal lawmakers to protect free over-the-air radio access in modern vehicles as automobile manufacturers expand proprietary digital subscription screens. The NAB submitted testimony highlighting the safety and emergency communication role of broadcast radio during severe weather events and grid disruptions.
For local station owners and programmers, retaining prominent, friction-free placement on vehicle dashboards remains critical to protecting overall share of ear and commuting audience levels. Broadcast leadership warns that moving broadcast receivers behind paywalls or multi-step touchscreen menus threatens long-term radio listening habits. Commercial operators are encouraged to engage local civic leaders and state broadcast associations to emphasize the public service mandate of accessible emergency broadcast signals to federal representatives.
Source: NAB