As certain new models of cars are totally doing away with FM radio after already dumping AM, broadcasting advocates warn profits are being placed above public safety. All it takes is to remember the Southern California fires earlier this year when cell service was out and radio ruled.

In a Blog posted by the Chief of Staff and Executive VP of Public Affairs for the NAB, Michelle Lehman writes “Free Local Radio in Cars is Not a Luxury, but a Lifeline”. She says it’s local radio that’s still one of the most reliable ways to get emergency info when there’s an emergency.  And the International Association of Fire Chiefs agree, calling local radio a “critical lifeline” during power outages, natural disasters and extreme weather events.

Maybe I’m biased as a radio reporter myself, doing local news in one big town and another small one. For sure cell service can go out anywhere, just look at Los Angeles. But in tiny town America, it’s almost a given. I mean it goes out in a winter storm where I live in New York. It may also be a good time to try to find an old-fashioned transistor radio so you can tune in during weather events when your phone and internet are down. Not to be spreading black clouds, but why not be prepared?

I agree whole-heartedly with Lehman who urged the passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act which has bipartisan support from over 340 senators and House members. It makes it mandatory for car manufacturers to include AM radio as a standard safety feature in all new vehicles.

Hear, Hear!!