KEEP AM/FM RADIO IN EVERY VEHICLE
Protect AM Radio. Protect Public Safety.
For generations, radio has been America’s most trusted source of emergency information.
- When tornadoes strike.
- When winter storms knock out power.
- When flooding closes roads.
- When cell towers fail.
- When internet service disappears.
Local radio continues delivering the information families need to stay safe.
Today, some automobile manufacturers are removing AM radio from new vehicles, putting access to critical emergency information at risk.
That’s why broadcasters, emergency managers, first responders, farmers, governors, members of Congress, and public safety organizations across the country support preserving AM radio in every vehicle. The bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act seeks to ensure drivers continue to have access to this vital public safety resource.
Why Radio Matters
AM radio remains the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System.
Unlike many modern communication platforms, AM radio can continue operating during widespread power outages and disasters because its signals travel long distances and are less dependent on local communications infrastructure. Emergency officials continue to rely on radio to distribute evacuation notices, weather warnings, AMBER Alerts, and other life-saving information when other systems become unreliable.
When Everything Else Fails…
Imagine you’re driving home. A tornado warning is issued. The power goes out. Cell service becomes overloaded. Internet service disappears.
How will you receive emergency information?
For millions of Americans, the answer is simple:
Radio.
During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many communities lost electricity, broadband, and cellular service. Throughout these disasters, local radio stations continued providing emergency updates, road closures, shelter information, and life-saving instructions.
Trusted by Emergency Managers
Emergency management professionals consistently recognize AM radio as one of America’s most reliable emergency communication systems.
The National Emergency Management Association states:
“When extreme weather events occur and broadband, electric power and cell service are out, people with AM radios can continue to receive critical, and possibly lifesaving, information.”
Seven former FEMA leaders have also warned that removing AM radios from vehicles could weaken the National Public Warning System because of AM radio’s unique ability to reach large areas during disasters.
Essential for Rural America
Radio is especially important across rural communities.
Farmers depend on it for:
- Weather updates
- Crop reports
- Commodity markets
- Local news
- Emergency alerts
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting notes that AM radio remains critical for rural Americans who may not have reliable broadband or cellular coverage, making it an essential daily source of agricultural information.
More Than Entertainment
Radio is much more than music or talk shows.
It delivers:
- Emergency Alerts
- National Weather Service warnings
- Local news
- Traffic information
- School closings
- Community updates
- Public safety information
- Severe weather coverage
And unlike many streaming services, it’s free.
No subscription.
No data plan.
No monthly fee.
Broad Bipartisan Support
Support for preserving AM radio comes from across the political spectrum and includes:
- Emergency managers
- FEMA leaders
- Governors
- Members of Congress
- State Attorneys General
- Police and Fire organizations
- Farm organizations
- Broadcasters
- Public safety advocates
- Community organizations
Together, they agree that protecting access to AM radio is a matter of public safety.
Why 95.3 MNC Supports This Effort
News/Talk 95.3 MNC has served Michiana by delivering trusted local news, weather, emergency information, and community coverage.
When severe weather threatens Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan, our commitment remains the same:
Provide timely, accurate information when our listeners need it most.
We believe every driver should continue to have access to free, reliable emergency information.
Protecting radio means protecting our communities.
Stay Connected with News/Talk 95.3 MNC
- Local News
- Breaking News Alerts
- Severe Weather Coverage
- Traffic Updates
- Community Information
- Trusted Talk
Real News. Real Time. When You Need It Most.
Take Action Today
Help ensure AM radio remains available in every new vehicle.
Visit DependOnAM.com to learn more about the effort to preserve this critical public safety resource and to find information on contacting your elected representatives.