South Dakota Attorney General Joins Call for AM Radio Preservation in Vehicles

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has teamed up with 11 other state Attorneys General to urge Congress to pass the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act of 2024, emphasizing the critical role of AM radios in emergency communication.

“Hurricane Helene, much like the severe weather we experience in South Dakota, has highlighted the importance of AM Radio as a vital communication device that provides life-saving information to our citizens,” Jackley stated. “In rural states like South Dakota, AM radio serves as a crucial source for severe weather updates, emergency information, and local news.”

In a letter addressed to Congressional leaders, the Attorneys General expressed concerns over reports that some car manufacturers are omitting AM radios from new vehicle models. Nearly 80 AM radio stations across the nation serve as Primary Entry Points for emergency alerts issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service. Collectively, these stations reach about 90% of the U.S. population, enabling rapid dissemination of life-saving information across wide areas.

The letter has garnered support from Attorneys General in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia, highlighting a bipartisan commitment to preserving this vital communication tool.

The letter can be found here:

By: DNU staff