Statement of REC Networks: AM Radio In Every Vehicle Act (Position Change)
REC has received clarifications regarding the legislation which addressed our concerns and we now support the legislation.
Previously, REC Networks had expressed concerns regarding the proposed statutory language regarding S 315, the AM Radio In Every Vehicle Act. In an outreach from REC to the NAB, we received a statement from the NAB’s Government Relations team. In that statement, they state that the wording in the law was intended to:
Require motor vehicles to have access to “AM broadcast stations”, which as defined in the bill is limited to analog-only AM stations.
The rule would permit manufacturers to comply by providing access to “digital audio AM broadcast stations”, which as defined would cover hybrid digital signals (a combination of analog and digital signals). Hybrid receivers can receive analog-only AM signals, so their use in cars preserve reception of analog-only signals.
The exclusion of “all-digital” in the definition of “digital audio AM broadcast station” makes it clear that all-digital receivers (which cannot receive analog only signals) would not comply with the rule.
Based on this response from NAB, we are satisfied that NAB is definitely looking out for the interests of the thousands of analog-only AM stations and the millions of listeners who depend on them every day.
While REC does feel that the language does need to be amended, we are no longer concerned with the current language to the extent we were in the past. REC continues to recommend that the language be amended to make a non-substantive change that would better clarify that radios must have at the minimum, analog AM reception. This will prevent any challenges to the statutory language by the auto industry, especially the EV industry, when the adopted legislation gets implemented in the Department of Transportation through rulemaking.
Therefore, while we still recommend an amendment to clarify the language, we will reverse our previous positions in opposition to the law and will support it, regardless of whether a clarifying amendment is made or not.
REC hopes to participate in the DOT rulemaking proceeding to assure that the auto industry is fully aware that analog AM must remain on the dashboard.
While it is still our desire that this legislation morph into a more inclusive “Future of Radio Act” which would encompass both AM and FM radio, we understand the narrow scope of this legislation and such a more encompassing language could put the legislation at risk due to increased lobbying by “big auto”.
With that, to support our objectives of “more choices/more voices” and “digital equity”, we will officially change our position statement at this time and fully support S. 315, The AM Radio In Every Vehicle Act.