NABOB and USBC Applaud Bipartisan Reintroduction of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Washington, D.C. —?The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB), a division of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), and the USBC commend Senate lawmakers for the bipartisan?vote that sent the?AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act?to the full Senate. This critical legislation garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the 118th Congress and is essential to preserving a vital lifeline of information and connection for millions of Americans, particularly in African American communities. NABOB and USBC extend their gratitude to Chairman Ted Cruz, Senator Ed Markey, and their bipartisan cosponsors for their leadership in ensuring AM radio remains accessible in all vehicles, including electric vehicles. This legislation addresses a growing concern stemming from decisions by several automobile manufacturers to eliminate AM radio from electric vehicles. Such a move threatens to marginalize the vital role of AM radio in delivering culturally relevant, community-focused, and often life-saving content. With AM radio being a critical platform for Black-owned media, the removal of this medium would exacerbate the already minimal Black ownership of broadcast stations in the United States and further limit?the ability of the American public to hear the voices of Black Americans. “AM radio is more than a platform—it is a pillar of connection, culture, and community,” said?James Winston, President of NABOB. “For African American communities, AM radio fills a critical void by providing locally produced content that addresses our unique needs and experiences. The removal of AM radio from vehicles not only threatens the sustainability of Black-owned radio stations but also hinders access to information during emergencies. We are committed to working with Congress to ensure this legislation is passed.” Black ownership of radio stations is already disproportionately low. Of the 220 radio stations owned by African Americans, nearly half—103 stations—are AM stations, making them especially vulnerable to this policy shift. Losing AM radios in vehicles would endanger the livelihood of Black media enterprises and limit the availability of programming tailored to African American communities. According to Nielsen, over 80 million people in the U.S. rely on AM radio each month. AM stations provide news, weather updates, entertainment, religious and cultural programming, and emergency broadcasts. African American communities are vital for promoting local businesses and maintaining cultural connections in rural areas.?During emergencies, AM radio is often the only reliable communication channel. Read more at https://lnkd.in/eA2hfHfC
