Troy Miller Discusses the Resilience and Calming Effects of AM Radio During Hurricane Seasons

Stormy weather is a major concern for residents living along the Atlantic coast.

Hurricane season officially began on June 1. Communities on the Atlantic coast have been advised to prepare for potentially severe storms.

Experts are forecasting an unusually active storm season with nearly double the average number of extreme storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a record-breaking 17 to 25 named storms for this year, the highest number ever forecasted in May.

As the East Coast gears up for the storms, local broadcasters are also making preparations.

AM radio has a long-standing reputation for being a reliable and effective tool during emergencies. Former FEMA emergency warning system directors have emphasized the importance of AM radio’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.

There are 77 radio stations across the country, mainly AM stations, designated as Primary Entry Points (PEP) to deliver federal emergency information to the public. These stations, reaching 90% of the U.S. population, are equipped to continue broadcasting vital information during emergencies.

Local radio stations, especially faith-driven ones, play a crucial role in providing hope and support to communities during times of crisis.

Despite the invaluable role of AM radio in emergency situations, several automakers have been removing AM radio from new electric vehicles to prioritize subscription services and data collection.

While some automakers cite concerns about electromagnetic interference, others believe these issues can be easily resolved with simple technological solutions.

The decision to remove AM radio from vehicles is often driven by the potential revenue from apps and services on the dashboard.

Legislation is being proposed in Congress to ensure that all vehicles in the U.S. maintain their AM radio capabilities. This bipartisan effort aims to safeguard AM radio as a critical emergency resource and a source of stability for Americans in times of distress.

We at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) are urging Congress to act swiftly to preserve AM radio’s presence in vehicle dashboards as a vital resource during emergencies.

Troy A. Miller is president and CEO of The National Association of Religious Broadcasters (NRB). He has over 30 years of business and management experience.