In an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal, Blair Levin and Larry Downes question the government’s decision to bail out AM broadcasters instead of promoting innovation. The authors criticize the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which mandates the availability of AM radio reception in electric vehicles, arguing that it hinders technological advancements. They estimate the cost of fixing the interference issue to be $4 billion by 2030, a figure they find exaggerated.
The piece highlights the importance of AM radio during emergencies, citing the recent hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida as examples where AM stations served as vital lifelines for communities. For instance, WWNC/Asheville became a central hub for rescue efforts during Tropical Storm Helene, providing crucial information to residents when power and internet services were down. The station’s efforts were praised for helping to save lives and bring the community together.
The article also addresses concerns about HD Radio displaying advertisements on car dashboards without listeners’ consent, arguing that stations should not have the right to impose ads on personal devices. Additionally, a clarification is made regarding a recent recording featuring radio personality Jimmy Rabbitt on KZLA, explaining that it was a demo reel and he was never actually hired by the station.
Overall, the opinion piece advocates for the preservation of AM radio and highlights its significance in times of crisis, while also raising questions about the impact of government intervention on technological progress in the broadcasting industry.
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