Evacuation orders expanded near Ely, air quality alert for most of Minnesota

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Radio broadcasters from around the country are meeting with members of Congress Tuesday to 

 that AM radios should still be in all new vehicles. 

The broadcasters say the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is about public safety, especially when cell phone networks fail during a major national emergency. Wendy Paulson, president of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition while en route to the Capitol. 

Paulson said there are several reasons why AM radio remains valuable.

“Think about rural America. Broadband isn't necessarily everywhere and prevalent everywhere,” she said. “There might be severe weather. Wireless can go down. AM radio is always dependable. It's resilient, and it is always there.” 

The National Association of Broadcasters 

 that there are tens of millions of weekly AM radio listeners, and that it’s especially important to agricultural communities, communities of color and other underrepresented groups. Paulson said broadcasters from 31 states made their way to Capitol Hill Tuesday. 

Listen to the conversation by clicking the player button above.

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Wendy Paulson, president of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition while en route to the Capitol. 

The broadcasters say the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is about public safety, especially when cell phone networks fail during a major national emergency.

Citing public safety, broadcasters press Congress to require AM radios in new cars

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