NAB releases campaign to help keep AM radios in autos
In its bid to help keep AM radio available in automobiles, the National Association of Broadcasters has released a series of radio spots and digital ads focused on the need for AM in dashboards, reports Inside Radio. The campaign follows reports that several automakers have already announced that AM radios will no longer be offered in their new models.
For many years, most people listened to AM radio stations in autos and homes – as one example, WTOP, now on FM, was on AM radio – but, in recent years, AM radio stations lost listeners to other options, and advertiser dollars migrated with them. However, according to one online item, in 2021, U.S. radio stations generated roughly 10.9 billion U.S. dollars in over-the-air (OTA) revenues – which includes AM outlets – up from 9.6 billion in the previous year. In addition, 1010 WINS, based in NYC has been the most-listened-to news station in the country. (WINS is also simulcast on FM radio.). WCBS-AM, another major news station in NYC, also has an AM presence.
The radio spots that are part of the NAB’s “Depend on AM” campaign, include a direct call to action for consumers to contact Congress, further enhancing its advocacy efforts to keep AM radio in automobiles. The ads, which have made available in both English and Spanish, urge listeners to text “AM” to 52886 and contact members of Congress to ask them to help keep AM radio in cars.
According to the NAB’s press release, the spots are intended to “amplify the voices of the over 80 million Americans that rely on AM radio for news, entertainment, community engagement, and public safety alerts. AM radio serves as the backbone of our nation’s emergency alert system, and the dire consequences of removing it from cars require immediate action. It also plays a critical role in connecting diverse communities and offering in-language programming.”
More here.
