AARP has voiced its strong support for the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act, urging Congress to swiftly pass the bipartisan legislation to protect the most vulnerable during emergencies. Bill Sweeney, AARP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, sent a letter to lawmakers emphasizing AM radio’s critical role in emergency communications and its significance for older Americans.
“Older adults are over-represented in rural areas where wireless and broadband connections are limited or non-existent,” Sweeney wrote. “AM radio connects millions of older residents to their communities through targeted programming, including the latest local news and weather.” Citing a 2023 letter from seven former FEMA Administrators, AARP also pointed to AM radio as a big part of the National Public Warning System.
Seventy-seven AM stations are Primary Entry Points, equipped with backup generators and emergency communication equipment, ensuring uninterrupted broadcasts reaching more than 90 percent of the U.S. population during disasters.
