Bryce Doeschot, operations manager for the Rural Radio Network, traveled to Washington, D.C., in July to join broadcasters from across the country in advocating for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
Doeschot represented Nebraska as part of a fly-in organized through state broadcaster associations across the country. While broadcasters from some states used the trip to encourage lawmakers to support the legislation, Doeschot said Nebraska's visit was largely a “thank you tour.”
“All five of them have signed on to that bill and support AM radio in every vehicle,” Doeschot said of Nebraska's congressional delegation.
The bipartisan legislation seeks to ensure AM broadcast radio remains available in new vehicles, as some automakers have begun removing AM radio from certain models, particularly electric vehicles.
For Doeschot and other broadcasters, preserving AM radio in vehicles goes beyond protecting the broadcasting industry. It's about maintaining access to an important source of local information during emergencies.
“It's not about protecting broadcasters,” Doeschot said. “It's about this public service, about the fact that when weather strikes or other emergencies happen, people need access to reliable information.”
AM and FM radio have long played an important role in distributing emergency alerts and local information, particularly when other forms of communication may be unavailable. AM radio's reach makes it especially valuable in rural communities and while people are traveling.
“AM radio has proved for decades that it can reach many people where other forms of communication can't,” Doeschot said.
Broadcasters hoped to see movement on the legislation before Congress left Washington for its August recess. While the bill did not make it across the finish line in July, Doeschot remains optimistic about its prospects when lawmakers return.
He said the legislation already has strong bipartisan support. The next challenge is getting it to the floor for a vote or finding another legislative path for passage before the end of the session.
That's where NAFB members can continue to help.
Doeschot encouraged farm broadcasters to contact their representatives in Washington and remind them that the legislation remains a priority.
“If we as NAFB members can simply ask our representatives in Washington, D.C., to get this to the floor, get it attached to a bill that's going to pass before the end of the session, that's our opportunity here,” he said.
After coming close to passage previously, Doeschot believes continued advocacy from broadcasters can help push the effort to completion.
“We're really optimistic that they can get it across the finish line in 2026,” he said. “It takes all of us to come together and just keep reminding those representatives that we are this close to the success.”
