Good morning, the subcommittee on communications and technology will come to order. And the chair recognizes himself five its with the statement. I begin thank you very much to our witnesses for being here today to examine the importance of a. M. Radio receivers in vehicles. A. Im radio has been an integral part of our society for well over a century, and at the americans local news serving is the backbone to our nations Emergency Communications infrastructure. Over 45 million americans tune into a am radio each month, they rely on it for local news Weather Sports and Emergency Alerts its unique frequency characteristics allow for signatures grabbed foreign wide overcoming geographical barriers and reach in both urban and remote areas. This makes a am radio and a valuable tool during times of crisis. When hurricanes, tornadoes, and other Natural Disasters strike, and am radio remains steadfast providing Vital Information to those in affected areas when other Communication Channels fail. And in fact a few years ago, in my district when it came to the radio, if there was a on the ground. I switched my local am Radio Station seeing local time radio alerts to know the exact path of the tornado, with that information, i was able to safely travel home avoiding the storm to pat, in times of emergency information is power, and am radio remains a priority source for emergency reporting. Local broadcasters have delivered a trusted voice to deliver realtime updates whether its structures or other critical information can mean the difference between life and death. Beyond the emergency situations, i am radio plays a key role and local news, community engagement, from the news and events to talk shows and sports shows and things that keep us connected to our communities. The stations provide a platform to discuss and education and importantly amr radio reaches a wide demographic, ranging from seniors to rural and underserved heired communities. It serves as a source of information and its accessible to all, regardless of the socioeconomic status for access to the internet. Todays hearing is resolved in announcements made by many auto manufacturers if they intend to remove a radio and certain vehicles due to the difference between the am radio receivers and batteries electric car vehicles. A sub manufacturers share response to this over the last month with my colleague, the general comedian six district, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the vehicles battery included the radio waves causing to sound a buzz in faith. To solve this interference some modeled manufacturers are installing shields and failed to protect the receivers against this interference. Another case, cars are equipping their new models of am radio capability would have it disabled. Our other model makers are considering to beat removing a am radio receivers from new vehicles all together regardless of engine type. I look forward to hearing to our Witnesses Today about their Public Safety ages for removing 8 am radio and Impossible Solutions to signal interference. Removing a am radio receivers from vehicles means that individuals may miss out on the critical, lifesaving updates. Lets be sure that no committees up behind no voices silenced and no mercenary response is compromised. Again, i want to thank our witnesses for being here, and i now recognize the Ranking Member of the subcommittee, the general leave and the Southern District of california for five minutes. Thank you very, much mister chairman. Im very glad we are holding this hearing today. While this issue has been gaining attention nationally, i think that this committee can help raise Awareness Among consumers. As i said in my statement announcing this hearing, a am radio provides americans a crucial public service. Whether that is information during an emergency local news, or communities specific programming aim radio delivers for consumers. While the media landscape continues to evolve, am radio remains a mainstay for millions of americans. According to the National Association broadcasters 82 million americans listen to 8 am stations each month. For these consumers, 8 am radio is indispensable. But even for those of us who arent listening daily, 8 am radio represents a critical lifeline when disaster strikes americans know all too well the need for a diverse and redundant emergency notifications, during wildfires techs, and other mobile alerts provide information that can save lives but these notifications only work in mobile networks are still intact in operational. If they fail, as weve seen as dire wildfires hurricanes and tornadoes we must have backup. That is where a amarillo comes into play. Because assistant is resilient, and it can travel long distances. I am radio is a reliable backbone for Emergency Alert systems. Fema acknowledges this role when describing the Emergency Alert system, saying, in many cases radio and tv stations continue to operate when other means of alerting the public are unavailable. Providing a layer of resilience. Many Subscription Services depend on Internet Access and other public warning methods rely on utility power. In california, wildfires have destroyed south towers and taken utility power down over large areas for the many california families that have been forced to flee their homes without a signal, or power, going out without amaretto. The unthinkable and unacceptable. Imagine, in that moment, with your family in the car, frantic and looking for emergency information, only to find out your car doesnt have an atm radio. I dont think anyone should have that experience. With more than 30 million vehicles registered in california, the loss of a emirate eo in cars represent a devastating setback for Emergency Communications but we know the amr radio is more than just a lifeline during an emergency for many it represents an irreplaceable connection to their community. As local news options grow few and far between. I am radio offers free hyper local journalism. From high school football, scores to city council coverage. A. Am radio can provide consumers local coverage, they cant get anywhere else. And in many areas, i am radio is broadcasting spanish, the enemies, and other languages spoken in the community. So in many ways, am radio remains a lifeline. As we continue to push advances in nobility. It is important that we balance innovation with access. I am hopeful that this hearing will help us do just that. I am excited to hear from our Witnesses Today and with that, i yield council my time. Thank you. The gentlelady yields back her time, the chair now recognizes five minutes, the chair of the full committee, the general lady from washington. Thank, you mister chairman. Thank you to the witnesses for being here today. My constituents in Eastern Washington rely on a am radio. It is how they hear the news in their communities, listen to sports, and receive information during emergencies. In many parts of my district, fm radio is spotted, there is no access to broadband so am radio is the only option. Which is why it is concerning that some Vehicle Manufacturers have taken steps recently to remove a emirate goes from a new car models. This is in part a result of the biden ministrations rush to a green agenda as they push for electric vehicles. Because electric vehicle batteries cause interference to 8 am frequencies, resulting in bad reception. The decision to remove am radio from cars would affect tens of millions of americans some estimates suggest that more than 45 million americans tune in to a am radio each month. While people in some parts of the country have been able to take advantage of alternative options in vehicles for accessing a emiratey o, like through a streaming service. Many parts of the country still lack access to reliable Broadband Services. Meaning this option is on available. That includes people in my community who are raising the alarm and sending the message that they like a am radio. They are concerned, but they would lose access to Vital InformationServices Like the National PublicWarning System. Unlike its fm counterpart, i am radio signals travel long distances and passed through obstacles such as buildings, hills, and dense vegetation. These characteristics ensure that potentially lifesaving information reaches a large audience, especially in rural areas with limited access to other forms of communication. The federal emergency warehouse agencies, fema, it has also worked to reinforce e. M. Radio base stations to mitigate risks resulting from events like Natural Disasters. And Rural Communities in particular rely on the Service Provided by a and radio, especially when they have only limited access to high Speed Broadband and stream services, or they dont have any access at all, these services are important. They are important for farmers and ranchers who use atm radio to receive information on the weather, prop reports, another Vital Informations that our livelihoods. I am radio fosters a sense of local identity, connecting people through regional programming that refers the unique perspectives and traditions of their communities. Local media on a amarillo is closer to the people telling the stories and sharing the perspectives that the National News doesnt always cover, sometimes ignores. And it plays a crucial role in government accountability, acting as a watchdog for local school, boards county officials regional course and other government bodies. Further, i am radio continues to be a key outlet for talk radio shows to connect with audiences across the country. Rush limbaugh for example had around 15 million listeners tuning in each week to his show, which was broadcast across 650 stations at his peak. These are vital sources of information that keep people engaged and connected to their local community, region and voices and perspectives they value in their lives. Whether they are tuning in for the local news, agricultural, or whether reports information during an emergency or to listen to their favorite talk show personality, am radio continues to be a popular way for americans to stay connected. I look forward to our discussion today, in listening to our experts, for being here on the panel, to share our goal to both celebrate american innovation, and ensure people can use this Critical Communications tool and listen to am Radio Stations important to them. I yield back. Thank, you the gentlelady yields back. The chair now recognizes the Ranking Member of the full committee, the gentleman from new jersey for five minutes. Thank, you chairman. A. Am Radio Stations play a Critical Role in our Nations Communications network and that is why i was so concerned when some automakers recently announced that they were planning to phase out a emirate oh from their electric vehicle models. I know firsthand how important am radio can be during an emergency and october 2012, after pummeling the caribbean, super storm sandy slammed the new jersey coast with 80 mile per hour sustained winds and rains. It was extensive flooding and damaged along the coast of new jersey, into new york, including many of the beach in bay shore towns in my district. States as far west as kentuckys separate Power Outages that lasted four days, Communications Infrastructure was heavily damaged, and it looks like 25 of power across. Ten states so my constituents went days without power and telephone internet connections, largely isolated and seeking whatever information they could get. The number of them relied on broadcast a. M. Radio stations to get up to the minute information like where to get water, gas, and groceries. And in some cases, their best source for a embryo was their vehicle. So that is why i was so troubled to learn that ev manufacturers had made the unilateral decision to remove a am radio from their cars, and as i understand, it without notice to consumers who have, for the most part gotten used to having a am radio as part of a standard auto package. I am proud of this committees bipartisan work to encourage and promote more Resilient Communications networks, including might sandy act, and including with the growing prelims some people may wonder why we are concerned about the loss of am tuners and cars, particular given Newer Technology like satellites and ip networks. The answer is that i am has proven its value in emergency situations, which is particularly important now as the worsening Climate Crisis unleashes new and more powerful storms around the country. Despite our continued efforts to make cellular towers equipped with more resilient, we are still vulnerable during extreme weather events. This week when the typhoon hit guam, to eliminate press reports it suggested that many cellular towers and fm stations throughout the island were knocked out. But a emanations state on the air. I am radio broadcast stations are the backbone of the Emergency Alert system infrastructure which delivers critical safety alerts during public emergencies. During Cellular Network outages and broadcast frequencies are still able to travel 100 miles 100 miles or more to deliver Public Safety communications. So it is no wonder that seven former federal Emergency Management agencies administrators work to transportation secretary buttigieg earlier this year urging the federal government to seek assurances from auto manufacturers to preserve a murillo access in vehicles for Public Safety. And we cannot be satisfied by reliance on emergency contact, which delivers through internet or Satellite Services that require a subscription or data plants. These services put consumers on the hook for additional monthly or annual cost the government makes our countrys electromagnetic Airways Available at no charge to broadcasters but then carried these important alerts and messages to the public at no cost so we must ensure this Vital Information is free to consumers now thankfully i am content is not just emergency and disaster information, but for most of the time broadcast programming content runs the gambit. In fact, according to the fcc, i am stations are more likely than fm stations or other kinds of Media Outlets to be owned by women and black or hispanic americans, as we look to increase Media Diversity we should keep in mind that a embryo is an important part of our nations multi cultural media programming. These are the main reasons that we simply cannot allow manufacturers now where the future to remove, 8 am radio from their ev models so i want to think chairman Ranking Member matt silly, also mister pence. For basically taking the meat and holding this important hearing and dealing with this issue. I also would like to introduce Lieutenant Colonel chris debase who is the Commanding Officer of the Emergency Management section at the new Jersey Office of Emergency Management. Thanks for being here today. Over the years, he is also that emergency responses to hurricanes and other disasters throughout the country. So we appreciate you joining us today to share your expertise and perspective on the importance of amity up to Emergency Management, and thank you for all that you do for new jersey. Ive been mentioning new jersey quite a bit, but i dont think it is anything i said that doesnt apply to the rest of the country as well, mister chairman. I yield back. Thank you very much the gentleman yields back. We want to thank our witnesses for being with us today and taking the time to testify before the subcommittee. We will have the opportunity to give an Opening Statement developed by around a questions from the members. I would like to know for our witnesses that you will see the timer boxes right there in front of you, so that way when the light turns yellow youll be able to have people remaining. And when it turns red, for time is expired. One of the things you would like to know is we have a second subcommittee of energy and commerce running todays member to make sure that they are stepping out to go to that committee or subcommittee upstairs, who is not that people are just leaving, those have to go around the subcommittee so i just want to alert you to that. We have through the hearing today, which includes mr. Gerry chapman, president of radio. Mr. Scott schmidt, Vice President and safety policy alliance for automotive innovation, and Lieutenant Colonel christopher to maze whom my Security Branch commander in new jersey state police, and again, we appreciate you all being here today. We look forward to your testimony, mr. Chapman, you are recognized for the Opening Statement. Good morning, chairs a lot and mcmorrisrodgers. Ranking members matsui and pallone, members of the subcommittee. My name is jay chapman, i am the president and owner of wolf meant radio. We operate 12 Radio Stations serving indiana and ohio. Three of those Radio Stations are 8 am Radio Stations, and w. See itn anderson, it is whbq, and then monsey it is wmaq and. I also appreciate the opportunity to testify on behalf of the National Association of broadcasters, and more than 6400 local, television and Radio Stations that provide free and valuable service to our hotels every day. I would like to take a quick moment and share a personal story about the role of atm in the times of crisis. In june of 2009, i was the general manager for a Radio Stations in rockford, illinois. I was returning home that evening with our 11 year old daughter. She looked to the sky to the south and she saw a glow. The few minutes earlier before that, a train, a canadian ashley train going through a suburb in southern rockford became derailed. It was a train carrying 2 million gallons of ethanol at the time. 19 of the cars derailed and some of those cars leaked, and there was a fire that resulted quickly after that. That fire ensnare the cars that are crossing it was right by that, and quickly, people were injured, and unfortunately that day, a life was lost. Within minutes of that derailment, our Radio Station started broadcasting news of it to the community telling people what they needed to do. We worked closely with local officials to coordinate a response and direct people to safety. It was our 8 am Radio Station that night, w antiasian, rockford illinois, that got people to safety and explained what they needed to do. That evening as bad as it was, if it was not for the Emergency Management officials that night, working with everybody throughout the area, it would have been much more tragic. I can tell you that a am radio that evening played a very Important Role in doing something that a cell phone delivering a text message cannot do at that time. A embryo explains, gives, fabric and understanding to an emergency situation. The a and Radio Stations also play a central role in our Emergency Alert system. The vast majority of the 8 am Radio Station or the pep stations which are the primary entry point, which fires at the beginning of a president ial alert are a Radio Stations. The stations have been selected because many of them have a comfort area of some 700 miles. I am Radio Stations also penetrate Solid Objects like mountains. Fema has invested millions to make these stations withstand National Disasters and acts of terrorism. But the stations themselves are responsible in those moments for operating in times of crisis. A car is oftentimes the only source of power and news during an emergency. People depend on that. I would like the internet and cell phones, which oftentimes go down in a moment of crisis, the 8 am Radio Stations and radio in general stays up during that. Despite a as Critical Role some of the automakers have been removed from from internal combustion cars. I dont think chairman law, and representative greg pence and multiple members of the subcommittee for sending a letter to the army, signaling the importance. Local broadcasters were also pleased as a result of this letter. And ford announced a decision to reversed its course. We applauded the decision. Bipartisan bill has also been introduced, and like other safety requirements, the a embryo for every vehicle act would preserve a emery deal in cars by requiring the transportation secretary to issue a rule under which Motor Vehicles would be required to include a device that can receive a am radio. Broadcasters, of course, support this legislation. In conclusion, this is not a zero sum gang. We can protect americans the way we always have, with the dependable system of e a test that works in times of emergency. We also can protect the interference to electronics in the occupants of cars as automakers have done for many years. This moment right now is too important not to take this action. Thank you again for the opportunity to appear today. I look forward to your questions. Thank, you mister chairman. Mr. Schmidt, you are now recognized for five minutes. Thank you, chairman lana, Ranking Member matsui, morris rogers, Ranking Member pallone, and distinguished members of the committee. On behalf of the alliance for automotive innovation, and our members, thank you for the opportunity to appear at this hearing today to share our perspectives on 8 am radios, Motor Vehicles, and consumer access. To Emergency Alerts. Alliance for automotive innovation was formed in 2020, and represents the full Auto Industry, a sector supporting 10 million american jobs, 5 of the economy. As a leading voice of the Auto Industry, auto innovators appreciates the continued engagements with your offices and, regarding consumer safety, and the importance of consumer access to Emergency Alerts and Motor Vehicles. Our mission is to deliver a cleaner, safer, and smarter automotive future, we take the safety of consumers, in the public seriously. We remain committed to ensuring drivers have access to free public alerts and safety warnings and federal Management Agency systems known as the integrated public alert and Warning Systems, i pause. Access to and Emergency Alerts is not limited to just one bout of communication. It was created to provide an integrated services and capabilities to federal state and territorial, tribal, and local authorities. And enable effective alerts to all communities. The mission contemplates multiple methods, including mobile phones via wireless Emergency Alerts, radio, in terms of analog digital and satellite, the Television Via the Emergency Alert system got to know as weather radio. The system was provided to provide redundant alert mechanisms, ensuring the public has access to multiple outlets to receive these critical alerts. The intent is for the public to not have to rely on single sources to receive the alerts, rather the gulf created a safety bout of information services, the more the better. Importantly, well access to Emergency Alerts is not limited to vehicles drivers today are able to take advantage of the eye called Safety Network. Regardless of what these vehicles are equipped with the factory installed am radio, vehicles can receive alerts through a empty gentle or high depth radio fm, both analog and digital, and satellite radio. Mobile wireless Emergency Alerts will also available in vehicles to have these smartphones. Simply put, vehicles today offer a host of options for consumers to receive critical Emergency Alerts. Consumer trends showed that 90 of todays cars come with factory installed systems like apple car play, android auto, and satellite radio. With technology and new methods of reaching the population, congress and federal agencies have taken actions to modernize National Alerts distance to ensure that these systems conduct the shifting Consumer Preferences and include a merging technologies. Congress has already directed and modernized future systems, including emerging technologies. Whats more, the fcc has noticed challenges of an ally radio steady decline in listeners. In reception issues, finally, the eye Program Management offers of Strategic Plans emphasizes the challenges for the system as the public moves from radio and television as a primary mode of news. Technology advancements in the way the public consumes information is consistently involving. And it is made its goal to find ways to communicate with the program, public, however, and wherever they are receiving information. There are many reasons why automakers make decisions in Vehicle Design and features. Even when there is no mandate to include it, which is in the case of a am radios. At the end of the day, automakers consider a variety of factors when designing in constructing cars. Including prioritizing safety, efficiency, and addressing Consumer Preferences. The Auto Industry is pro innovation. We are committing to ensuring drivers have access to free public alerts and safety warnings through the claws both the federal government and the Automotive Industry recognize that the ways in which consumers receive information will change overtime, as innovation in the Auto Industry continues, and new innovations are developed, the federal government and industry must Work Together to modernize and continue to incorporate new technologies. Doing so will ensure we collectively provide the best, most capable and Resilient Technologies to the public while also strengthening Public Safety. On behalf of auto innovators and other companies, i look forward to working with congress and the administration to foster a landscape that serve the interest and safety of all americans. Thank, you schmidt. Can lieutenant you are recognized for five minutes for your Opening Statement. Good morning, chairperson. And distinguished members of the subcommittee. On behalf of colonel Patrick J Callahan a new jersey state police, who also serves as state director and mercy management i thank you for the opportunity to testify here today about this important issue. And to deliver some opening remarks. Lieutenant colonel christopher debate the director of the homeland Security Branch of the new jersey state police. I also serve as a deputy state director of management and oversight, of new Jersey Office of management. The company today, by mitchell stetson was a manager of mj obese man. Communications bureau and Emergency Alerts in the morning. It may be drawing upon his knowledge to answer some of your questions this morning. I set forth in the following testimony, i am strongly supports the proposed a am radio for every vehicle act. Lifesaving value of am radio clearly outweighs the incremental cost of a emerson in electric vehicles. Nima, invoicing are clear support of this bill. During last few years, uptick in Severe Weather events and forest fires has made it a concern, not just new jersey, but across the country. At the same time, weve been seeing an increase in cyber crimes active shooter incidents and terrorist threats and alert warning is the best we have to ensure the safety of our resident of to provide critical information before, during and after disaster. This can include information needed while individuals are driving during largescale evacuations, or during a power outage. Individuals sit in their car and listen to essential communications. I am radio is a primary component of the nations Emergency Alert system. The Emergency Management committee at all levels, in tandem with the private sector and broadcasting companies, has collectively voted countless funds and personal hours to ensure all members of the public can receive critical Public Safety information in a timely fashion, i am radio is embedded into the alert warning of Public Information protocols that we have. And j o e m and our colleagues across the nation have developed and continue to develop plans that rely on in part on continued access to 8 am radio. New jersey is a very diverse city. With rural farming communities, beach towns, and major urban areas. The extensive region of 8 am radio signals in its height user acceptance brings to the widest audience possible. As a free resource aim radio provides essential connectivity for many vulnerable members of underserved populations, who may not have the financial or other means to Access Internet based or wireless communications. Public sources report that one third of a m radio users are age 65 and older. The day the same age group that may be less likely to demonstrate proficiency with other forms of internet and smartphone applications. In some cases a amaretto stations may serve specific cultural and ethnic groups. The Emergency Management committees under a mandate to reassess and ensure that services are being provided in these traditionally underserved communities. And this is not the time to restrict access to a am radio in vehicles. In addition to serving as a primary communication mode, i am radio feels the need for redundancy, as a backup for other primary communication methods. When there is a failure of technology, or an underlying power in and out caused by Severe Weather events, causing strange conditions. This requirement for redundancies basic tenet of Emergency Management, and as well Service Nation for decades. We are reminded of this with every hurricane, every tornado, and every snowstorm. Our belief is that a am radio is a critical source of information to our citizens during a crisis. We are investing in new technology to communicate mercy messaging in a variety of languages to our reading users and atm Radio Services have the ability to deliver these messages to wherever people are, at home, or in the car. When disaster strikes, no one should lose access to this essentially information because a vehicle being driven is not having a radio. Thank you for your time, and i look forward questions. Thank you very much for your testimony today and that will conclude the testimony from our witnesses this morning and that will begin questioning this morning and the recognize myself for five minutes. One of my concerns is how little notice is being given to consumers about the removal of am radios in vehicles. Some companies claim to have announced the phase out of am radio that weve also heard of consumers that are not aware that their new car does not have a am radio to see the auto lot. In fact, the dealership of my district told me that they had no idea about the change, and i also want to say things for change or passing the am radio be put back into their vehicles and also be able to download in their vehicles that are written off the lawn, so it is closer for consumers, should vehicle manufacturing be responsible to alert consumers when am radio or critical safety functions of the vehicle is not included in the vehicle purchase . Can you repeat that a little louder, im having a hard time. Should Vehicle Manufacturers be responsible as to alert consumers when 8 am radio in a critical safety function in the vehicle, is not included in that model before its purchased . Yeah, fortunately i cannot comment on the individual what manufacturers can do, but i can certainly reinforce the fact that our members view that there are many more options for delivering content and alerts now in vehicles than there ever were, and that we are committed to providing these alerts free of charge to our customers through those vehicles. Thank you. Mr. Chapman, how do you think the remove of am radios from cars will lessen the reach in local impact that you are broadcasting in this channel . Chairman lionel, thank you for that question. It will absolutely impact our reach and a significant way. Most of the radio listening is done in the car, this is a Business Concern for many of our businesses and i will say adolfus, we have people that were a primary source of advertising for them. So. They come to us to use their products, so there is obviously a business reason for us, there is a business reason for the community, and in addition to that, if i am radio is not caused, it is the primary point that begins the alert system, so that is a safety issue as well. People wont be able to hear the alerts the way that the eas system is set up. I know it is a little bit early for doing whatever people notice out there with the change, but have you noticed a change in linen listener ship right now in your station or stations . Chairman, at this point, it is very early in the process, we have not seen changes. But i can tell you that it will be significant because the radio is the primary entry point for people listening to it. And that is where people consumed most of the radio so if it is not in the card to be a significant issue for people hearing alerts or hearing news from local businesses. Let me followup, we hear from many auto manufacturers about how radio is the future and it will no longer be a need for an analog or h d a m radio, what are your thoughts on that characterization . So, for example, all of these stations string, but i can also tell you that streaming is part of our future but it is not all of our future, as consumers listen to the strain, they might be hearing in an area that is far off, and, so if they are hearing that strength, they are not getting eas alerts for the area that are important. That is the area of where they are actually residing, and so, one of our concerns, if its only streaming, we are still running out side in the structure of the eas system. Eas works with amr radio because a am radio can work in times where the power has gone away, 8 am radio can work in times of disaster whether they are hurricanes, or tornadoes and if a station is streaming it is delivered over the internet, which is dependent on the power grid. And also, the other factors when networks go down, this is all part of streaming. So this is not a substitute for what we have, which is our primary delivery system. Thank you. Lieutenant, in my last 25 seconds here, when you do your planning, is that years ago when i was a county commissioner and we had Emergency Management we always had plenty discussions. Do you plan for if the internet goes down, what happens them if your communications go down, sorry have 12 seconds left. Absolutely, sir. We have to plan for every contingency, because murphys law is very much of our business, and failure of those networks is anticipated. All right, i appreciate that. And i think our witnesses, and my time has expired. And the chair now recognizes the Ranking Member of the subcommittee the, gentlelady from california for five minutes. Thank you very much, mister chairman. I think about the 8 am radio of something that most of us have grown up with, and a lot of things that we take for granted in this country and probably a am radio is one of them. And not only do we think about listening to radios in carson things like that, but the fact of the matter today is that, as we look at communications it is become a very vital part of what we do, and for emergency purposes. Real areas like parts of my district, south service, ten to spy are simply nonexistent. In these areas, alternate methods of communications help ensure that all residents have access to information when or where they need it. And i must, say not only in rural areas to, but in urban areas of which there is a great part of also. What i was thinking about is that can you describe the tenant Lieutenant Colonel, the limitations of the other Emergency Alert systems were south service when our power goes down i think we can imagine it but how that might happen . Thank you for the question. Certainly, during these weather points weve experience new jersey in ashley, with high winds, and Destructive Forces such as earthquakes, and other just snow load and heavy rains. We have lost Cellular Communications previously. And, unfortunately, we have become so devoted to them that we kind of lose sight of the fact that we do need to rely on other mechanisms to communicate with public. So, as it was mentioned, chairman lattice, the question that maybe we can expand upon, we require that redundancy to make sure that we can communicate with all. And i am radio platforms certainly have such a broad reach, it is reliable, and we have leverage that many, many, times to communicate with a bunch of spectrum of people in both rural areas, and in the urban areas to the state. All right, absolutely. The frequency used by a am radio is different than fm, or those used to power our phones. Well they have some limitations, they also have strength that help a. M. Radio reach consumers across the country. Mr. Chapman, can you describe the unique characteristics that a im radio frequencies, and while they are so well suited to emergency announcements . Thank, you congresswoman. The atm band is somewhat different than, for example, the fm band. The aim waves are much longer, the fm waves are much shorter, and in laymans terms, what this means is that they can travel greater distances, they can also penetrate things like hills, mountains, and such. And so, many years ago, with fema and broadcasters decided, what do we want as the primary point to activists the Emergency Alert system. They selected a systems for this very reason. So the entry point to begin a National Alert is primarily am stations, and for example, the one that is my area that reaches all of the midwest is w l w. It covers some 17 states. And this is the reason m is so central to the eas. Thank, you very much. Local economy, whether on tv or radio, local broadcasters provide opportunities for central and smaller businesses to reach consumers in the community, especially in smaller immediate markets. This can be an engine for economic growth. Mr. Chapman, can you talk about the opportunities that i am provides for smaller local businesses, how are those opportunities be limited if i am radio removed from all vehicles . Thank you for the question, congresswoman. Once again, it is a question of access. So, i mentioned a Radio Station that we have in anderson, indiana. During the middle of covid, we went on the air, in the old days and we started selling cards, gift cards, to businesses. We put the money back into the community. So that is central to how its the economic engine a lot of times, and that is an easy example to understand. One that is also important is that there is diverse listening that was mentioned somewhat earlier, i was fortunate a number of years ago to be a General Affairs manager for a black gospel station in indianapolis. That Radio Station was central to that community. Not only the businesses, but the information that was communicated to people, that listen to that Radio Station. So it was important, because they saw the information that came through the radio at that time, it is credible, and reliable. In that is an important relationship that exists between a Radio Station and its listener base. Thank, you very much. I yield back. I think the gentlelady, she yields back. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from florida for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. This is a very important hearing. I appreciate you holding this, and also, i want to thank the Ranking Member, and thank you for the testimony as well. As we kick off Hurricane Season this month i am reminded of the all too familiar situation for residents in my state of florida. The electric is out the internet is down, the cell phone coverage is shoddy, at best. And if people heard my psas over the years, they would know to have an emergency handheld radio at the ready. But if not, they head to their cars to reestablish a connection to their community. Hear about the devastation of the storm, and heat in any direction. To Emergency Services and service authority. So my question, the first question is to Lieutenant Colonel to Lieutenant Colonel, what benefits do atm signals have over fm signals during and in the aftermath of a Natural Disaster such as a hurricane . I am signals, and of itself, have much broader reach, as mentioned before. Our testimony here today is that they can reach greater distances than the fm signals can. So we can penetrate some of those more rural areas, but also, as mentioned, the ability to also penetrate buildings within some of those urban centers makes it certainly a little bit more amenable to those types of messaging. Very good, thank. You in 2016, legislation has offered to modernize femas system became law. That legislation can improve the effectiveness of the texting system for future emergency situations, and implemented training requirements for state officials. It also relied heavily on the emergency alarm system, and a am radio signals to work quickly and effectively. So, again, Lieutenant Colonel, in your professional capacity, do you foresee potential delays to emergency information gaining two citizens as a result of lesser access to a am radios . And is it possible to replicate our e a s system without the use of a am signals . And this is so very important, because as you know, we could lose lives. We have been a radio . So please, if you could respond, that i would appreciate it very much. Thank, you congressman. Yes, so i would agree, that to lose the access to a am radio signals, certainly would impede messaging getting out. Whether it is a Cellular Network collapse of power outage, that impacts the sailor infrastructure, the potential is that those messages in text form would be cash, not delivered directly to the people that might need them. Certainly, we need all platforms available to our residents, because, some people are more comfortable listening to a am Radio Stations to obtain their information. And we want to have all messaging platform. In a critical moment to be a matter of life and death. As a part of the Emergency Alert system. Absolutely. And getting into the entertainment aspect, people are used to, particularly in rural areas, and not all in the district, and they are used to listening to a. M. Radio, that is where they get their news. And ill tell you what, if we dont save a am radio, mister chairman, i tell you what. It would be very devastating for a lot of people, particularly our seniors. And i will add that i love to listen to a am radio, i listen to baseball games. And radio is, baseball is a radio sport more than a game. So that is from a selfish point of view, but in any case, it is a serious issue. And i really appreciate you having this hearing, i yield back for my time. Thank, you the gentleman yields back. But i think your team is doing better than it did last year. [laughter] , here we go, thank you very much. The chair now recognizes the im in order here, the gentlelady from californias 16th district for five minutes. Thank, you mister chairman. Thank you to the Ranking Member for holding this hearing today. Thank you to the witnesses. There is no question that Many Americans value amaretto which is why its been a standard feature in cars for so many years, while drivers now have several options for several options for listening to music, podcasts, and other entertainment while driving, backlash to ford removing a radio, which theyve now walked back, shows there is still really robust consumer demand for this feature. Just as importantly, i think this episode shows that auto makers are responsive to demand. Thats how the free market is supposed to work. Although there are many features drivers may want in their cars, the only ones mandated by the federal government are those intended to keep us safe. Two of the Witnesses Today have endorsed legislation mandating a am radio as a safety feature to ensure the public can receive Emergency Alerts during Natural Disasters and other emergencies. Its a has more than a dozen outstanding safety regulations mandated by congress and it has yet to implement. And some of them have been pending for more than a decade. I think the energy and converse committee has to get after nhtsa. Before we added to that list, i think we need to be sure that any additional mandates are truly needed to improve safety and save lives on the road. To colonel the maze, is a am radio the only mean or primary means by which drivers can receive Emergency Alerts through the integrated public alerts and Warning Systems . Thank you for the question, congresswoman. They can receive messaging through the fm system as well, and also, if they have a cellular device available to them, they can certainly receive messaging through that platform as well. Thank you. To mr. Schmidt, what if potential unintended consequences of congress mandating the use of a specific technology to receive we merton see alerts . Thank you for the question. Yes, as you are well aware, mandates and regulations of blunt instruments, so it is important that we look into cross the benefit over to future, and one of the things that fema has noted is that there is declining listener ship. And part of the whole ipods system is looking at the future in terms of what new technologies are going to be able to supplement maybe atm, potentially in the future, maybe even replace a. And also, to deliver more effective alerts. So we are very Technology Agnostic in the sense that we are looking for delivering alerts to our members, to our customers, as efficiently as possible, and as broadly as possible, in the most efficient manner. And you know, a manner that is not going to decline in the future. And it will provide the benefits going to the future thank you. To any of the witnesses is there any technology about neutral approach that congress can take to ensure that all drivers have access to Emergency Alerts . If congresswoman, if i may answer that for a second, fema, many years ago, as constructing the current model for the eas plan, used a am Radio Stations and i referenced this earlier as the primary entry point. And they did that for a couple of reasons. Number one, are you talked about the distances that i am Radio Stations struggle with, but it is also some of the characteristics. So, in the event of a significant disaster, we have not experienced, these stations reach more than 90 of the united states, so they are the Central Point, and there is not another technology to another medium right now that is ready to step in and replace that. Any other witness . Congresswoman, i agree with the statement, it was really, as it was mentioned several Witnesses Today stating that it is the backbone of the Emergency Alert systems, the most consistent, dependable platform with which we have to communicate to the public. A kind of just make a mention that my understanding from reading some of the fema documents is that the s system is a fairly cost intensive system to maintain, and i think the key thing is how do we make that more costeffective as we move forward and, as we look at technologies that may be declining, we need to find alternatives that can address that in a more cost efficient manner, and still deliver the safety benefits. Why is it so expensive . I dont know, i just noted well, first off i think the ideas that you have these hardened stations and, like i said, are not just am stations. They are other stations. And i dont have the specifics on that, but it is in the inner documents, and if you, want i can probably fill that reference and get it back to you, if that would be. Helpful out appreciate that, thank you, to the witnesses. Mister chairman, i yield back the balance of my time. The gentleladys time is expiring, we now recognize the gentleman for five minutes. Thank, you mister chairman. And the, announcement ford made on may 23rd, they stated, quote, for any honors of 2023 ford evs currently without a and broadcast capabilities we will offer and over the air Software Update to make it available. How is ford able to turn on our broadcast capability with the flip of a switch, while other Car Manufacturers have not . Think you for the question. Let me give you fords, what they told us and i think they mention this to the community as well. Because in their may 23rd announcement, Ceo Jim Farley announced that after speaking with policy leaders about the importance of an broadcast radio as a part of the Emergency Alert system for deciding included, all 2024 lincoln vehicles for any vehicles the 2024 model year 40 evs that did not initially offer a m radio, they will offer a Software Update. It is my understanding, from discussions with former representatives that foreign started removing a am radio by disabling the software while they worked to, on a longer lead time modification that would actually remove the hardware, so for those models, ford can enable the a m radio by the over the air update. However, i cant really speak to any of the plans for post2024 at this point. Are you aware of any other auto manufacturers who are choosing not to provide a am radio despite having the technology and the capability to do so . We have about a census to see which Vehicle Manufacturers are not, this has been something that manufacturers look at customer preferences very closely and so they do a lot of Market Research and trying to determine how to develop the most value to your customers. Okay, thank you. Do any of the companies in your group plan to charge extra for am fm radio and cars through a Subscription Service . Yeah, i really cant talk about content, i can talk about safety, so we are committed to providing free alerts as far as the content there is, as you know in the eddie, a lot of recounted a lot of subscription content for everything. So again there is a consumer, preference a marketing thing that our manufacturers look at but, i can say that to reaffirm that we are committed to ensuring drivers have access to free public alerts and safety warnings through the ipods system. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Chapman, a large portion of the most popular and radio shows feature either conservative or religious content. From your perspective, what effect with the removal of am radios from cars have on the diversity of thought in the broadcasting space . Thank you for that question, congresswoman, i will pull on a couple of examples. I have a station in monsey, indiana, it is wmur and, we recently reprogrammed the station in somewhat cost intensive, but we focus on local Community Issues and it is important that we have a place for the Fourth Estate to act to talk about public issues like a lot of the communities in the rust belt, this town has been somewhat challenged over the years, but if there is not the place and the declining forms of other media to discuss these things, you cant depend on social media to help a Community Shape this decision, so it is a role that we need to play as a broadcaster, and that is something that main stations do really well. I would rather just a little bit earlier than when i was a general Sales Manager of an urban formatted station in indianapolis, we worked very hard to address issues that were specific to our station, and our audience. Ive got a good friend who operates a Radio Station, he is mb evansville, indiana. He is part of the w. E. O a. His station puts information out that would not be received by his listeners in that community because they are not other sources for it so the diversity of voice the diversity of thought is very very important and the a. M. Man does that better than any of our other vehicles. Thank you for those insights. Another question, the u. S. Has invested significant capital into heartening certain a m radio broadcast stations to prepare for a variety of crisis scenarios. Can you speak to what goes into the process of hardening in a station . So, thank you again for the question, as a general rule each station, each opportunity, for fema in that broadcast are issued for example it is a station that said on the gulf might be on stilts, and up in the air. Its a hurricane comes through. That is to protect, it because in the, past one that is, happened for, example during katrina, stations were not able to stay on. So that investment has been made. Generally, with any pep station, which is again the primary entry point 30 to 60 days of alternate power are at each one of those facilities. So, it is very different than my station in the midwest that might be set up to survive, sometimes of terrorist acts such as an emt or Something Like that, that is a lead encased facility, so it depends on a Radio Station and i know that is not a direct answer but each one of these stations is somewhat different in terms of its requirements. Okay, thank you, thank you. Everyone i yield back. Thank you, the gentlelady yields back in the chair now recognizes the gentleman from new jersey the Ranking Member of the full committee for five minutes. Thank, you chairman. In terms of emergency with the stakes so high, we cannot ignore the fact that reducing the number of platforms and technologies available to us for warning the public makes the job of Emergency Managers and First Responders that much more difficult. So let me ask colonel todays, why is a am radio a critical piece of the public Warning System in new jersey, and why is it short sighted to reduce the number of options available to Public Officials through communicating with the public in future disasters . Thank, you congressman. The redundancy has a major tenet of Emergency Management is something that we try to focus in on. We need to have multiple platforms available to us, whether it is power, delivery, we generators, or other sources of energy for homes, water, being bottled water, and from a communications standpoint we want the maximum amount of platforms available, at least the users where they are at. I am radio platform is again highly accepted by its audience, and trusted for that matter. And we want to communicate with those individuals through that platform if they are not maybe paying attention to those cellular platforms, prohibition, et cetera. So we lose that connectivity with that very large audience during a crisis. Thank you. Thank you for being here. I will go to mr. Schmidt. I was excited to see you emphasize your member of the companys commitment to ensuring drivers access to free public alerts and safety warnings. I did not, however here a commitment to ensuring acts such as free information, entertainment like that currently enjoyed from broadcast radio. And what i appreciate doesnt point out that most Radio Stations are available to stream via apps on the phones or through the vehicles. The suggestions ignore simple reality that not everyone has or cant afford unlimited cellular data plans to support that level of sustained usage or additional subscriptions for the cars. So we dont want this to be another issue exacerbated by the digital divide, so my question is, mr. Schmidt, how will people live out the limited data plans or pay in order to have connectivities in subscriptions access for broadcast radio content without the standard intent in the vehicle. Thank you for your question. Again, as i reiterate, consumers have never had so many choices in where they get their content and information, including alerts. I cannot comment on unnecessarily what would be a subscription or not a subscription, however i will say that our commitment is is that we will be free options in that vehicle, and even within things that do have subscriptions, such as satellite, their alerts are free on their base channels. So they are provided without fees even if you dont choose to subscribe. Thank you. I mean the problem though, is that we know that with a m, it is essentially free, we dont know how people of limited means are going to be able to use some of these other things that might have a subscription or, you know, limit, it might not to have unlimited cellular data plants, so i understand what you are, saying but i also think that we also have, in the case of broadcast radio and i am station, we know that is not something that they have to pay for. So let me go to mr. Chapman. Can you describe what would happen if your business had to rely primarily on streaming broadcasts, how about the hard cast streaming for working people who regularly tune into your stations, while commuting to and from their jobs . Thank, you congressman. For the question. A number of our listeners would no longer hear our stations, the easiest way to consume our product is over the air radio. Streaming options is something that all of our stations have but it is not that way for all broadcasters. It is a cost that goes with a streaming. So for a smaller broadcasters, for smaller operators in the standalone Radio Station, they may not have that option. So it would be a significant hit for our business, it would lower our reach, and we are talking about safety here, it is not gonna be as accessible but for some broadcasters it would end their business model. All right, thank you very much. Thank you to all. I yield back, mister chairman. Thank you, the gentleman yields back and the charter now recognizes the gentleman from michigan four, five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. Public safety, public benefits, beyond safety, two pillars of what we are hearing about the importance of a am radio. Topdown mandates are not i believe, the way to approach this issue. But it is important that we probably identify what a am radio means for our constituents, and the impact that its removal from vehicles would have. I think the fact that a m is free is something that would cause all of us to sit up and take notice, and thank you to the panel, thank you for dealing with our concerns and our ideas and questions today. The free service at a am offers requires no internet connection, reaches parts of the country and people that streaming and other services cannot for various reasons. I think this is how people in rural areas like my district will get their news, they connect with their religion they raise money for local causes they take part in diverse conversations, and they might not otherwise have access to. Mr. Chapman, over half of all people only listen to radio in the car. I was in the shower as well. We will leave it there. Additionally, i am fm radio is still the top listened to media in cars over both streaming Satellite Services combined. Not all automakers have plans to eliminate a am receivers and thank, you to ford, i think for listening, i hope they will continue listen to that. And expand the whole network of free radio by doing so. How could the rhetoric around the impacting investment in and availability of a radio programs . Congressman, could you repeat that very last part of your question please. I was asking how the continued rhetoric around removal of a m Impact Investments and availability . So, you know, as far as the congressman questions, as far as the view or the rhetoric, it obviously looks for anybody wanting to invest in our sector, a question of what is going on, but i think the bigger question for us is, as industry right now, is how do we make sure that we can connect with people at all times who want to receive us and we know that we do the best when we are received over the air, through the channels that are easiest for people to receive. It so we have made a concerted effort to be available everywhere for people so they can consume our product, but the vast majority of listening that occurs to Radio Stations is where it is broadcast free and over the air. Yes, and that is Investment Option that mr. Chapman michigan has a rich a. M. History, in fact the first commercial Radio Station in the country started here. Or started there, i guess im always living in michigan. Our ambitions cover important things to michiganders, including things flow coefficient army, or minute by minute updates on flooding in the state right now or wildfires in the northern regions of our state. There has been a trend towards media consolidation for decades, making news less local that wouldnt work in Crawford County right now with the fires if we werent local. What is the i am radios role in local news and keeping people in rural areas . Congressman, we have made significant investments in our news operation, i will touch on this in a second. We started our company on the premise that locally owned, and locally managed radio where we operate is the right way to serve the community. That is our business model. We know that we need to continue and we know that weve but up the staff in that. They operate small communities, and they also operate in rural areas. The aspect thats why many of the people in our organization come to work every day. They see that as Global Service to the community. Thank, you mr. Schmidt. How much does it cost to include an atm radio receiver in electric vehicle . Unfortunately, i dont have cost information, that is specific to the manufacturers, and also very specific to the Vehicle Designed and there is probably arranged because some of the interference might be so, but i dont have a specific cost information. That leaves us at a loss as well, because we do understand it. So thank you, i yield back. Thank, you gentlemen yields back. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from floridas ninth district for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. In my first couple of years in the congress, we had hurricane irma, which pummeled Central Florida with heavy winds in some rains, and we saw trees down everywhere. We got hit again with Hurricane Ian just recently, this time, it was more flooding and standing water for many days, and we often tell our constituents, as does the state, at our local governments that we need to be prepared. You need to have adequate supplies, and one of those key supplies is a Battery Powered radio. It is right there on our list, it is on the federalist, on the state list, because redundancy is critical, especially for Emergency Alert systems. Cell phone towers, cable, electricity, can all go down. And atm is the last line of defense when we are talking about critical information, evacuations, Power Outages, downed power lines, curfews, floodings. Needed help to clear the way for First Responders. And a m is also a key part of our hispanic hispanic culture. Many of my constituents access, Spanish Language programming, news, culture, music, through a ham radio. And it is only heightened in our u. S. Territories. All of which are unlike puerto rico, virgin islands, warm, and when all else fails, a am seems to be there to pick up the slack during a lot of these Natural Disasters. Are any of us concerned that major owner manufacturers have started considering phasing out a and radio, some of the first course like we appreciate that, we encourage others to fall asleep. Mr. Chapman, when all else fails, how essential is a amaretto during a Natural Disaster . Congressman, thank you, for the question. The Central Point in a large disaster depends on p e p, primary entry point stations. The majority or 75 are in Radio Stations. And again, it was the design of the system at that point in time which they continue to evolve today, and made essential for 8 am Radio Stations because of the things we already discussed to be part of that. In more recent times, what we are dealing with local alerts, it is only the a m stations that go into great detail. Two quick examples. Recently, and alexandria, which is just near indiana, twice in one month, we had what we believe was an active shooter in the school. It was only our 8 am Radio Station explaining at length with recorders on site what was actually happening to keep the public calm, because it was not what was being brought on social media and that example is a prime situation on how a amaretto serves in a time of need, just a few weeks ago, in mid may, live ohio, the prisoner had to extremely dangerous felons instate, in that moment, it was our stations, and are 8 am stations that provided not just alerts but maybe provided the background information, maybe backgrounds and different organizations keep their populations safe. Thank you so much, Lieutenant Colonel doug mays how critical is a Radio Stations for new Motor Vehicles for new ability of Spanish Speaking communities in new jersey or in my home state of florida, or others, to receive Emergency Alerts,. Thank you congressman for the question. We like to message with those communities and the a. M. Radio stations being able to share those messages with her peoples of critical importance. From a Motor Vehicle standpoint, its not uncommon in the case of Hurricane Sandy for a stern gagen evacuations. Of areas. Having that ability to communicate with people that are on the move with Cellular Networks may be compromised due to high winds or obstructive measures. When the case where theres Power Outages, those systems are unable to leverage in communicate properly. And platform provides us with a great deal of connectivity with those in the community that are on the move. In some cases, as weve seen anecdotally. People sheltering in their cars. Maybe they moved to higher ground. That radio tends to be there Situational Awareness of the environment around them. With a conditions are. Maybe in an area that might not have a good view whats happening in the real world. Lieutenant colonel, whether its the florida turnpike of the new jersey turnpike, how many folks we have coming in from out of state who may not be aware of some of the Natural Disasters that may be occurring . Its a good question, chairperson. The new jersey turnpike sees a similar million riders a day on a good day. I couldnt answer that aspect. Having those alerts on our signs, telling people were to go to get critical information. That we tend to tell people to go to aim Radio Stations. My time is expired. The gentlemans time has expired. China recognizes the gentleman from georgia, the vice chair of the subcommittee for five minutes. Thank you mister chairman. Thank you should you for being here. Appreciate it very much. As chairman mentioned, im from georgia. Of the honor and privilege of recognizing the entire coast of georgia. Obviously, hurricanes are a concern to us. Obviously, the Emergency Management system is important. One thing to note also for those of you who may not be familiar with georgia that we always say there are two georgia. As there is atlanta and everywhere else. We are everywhere else in south georgia. Fact this to a. M. Radio is important to us. Very important. Natural disasters like hurricanes are traumatic and oftentimes there is no other means of getting alerts other than the aim radio. Im glad to see that company such as ford or reversed to this decision to remove him radio in there are evs based on this information. Im hopeful that more will follow suit with that. Mr. Smith, in my district, we have hyundai that is building one of their ev plans. It is the largest economic building process project in the state of georgia. Five and a half billion dollar investment is gonna create 100 jobs. Plus more in ancillary businesses. Were very excited about it. Theyve announced that they have no plans to remove him radios from their vehicles as well so we are encouraged to hear that. Can you explain to me why some of the o e ms plan to keep a m and others downed. Whats the rationale here. I cant really comment on individually and plans. I will say our manufacturers are very consumer focus. Their run focus groups. They look at their various product portfolios. The kind of consumers that use their products and what they want. I cant see much more than that. Other than the fact that it seems like our members our see value when it. All of our members see value in providing the full network of the ipod alerts. We support that and commit to that. I keep hearing interference with the ev batteries is a problem. That static and that type of thing. Is that true . In general, and has issues with static interference. Thats something that femas documented. I cant say much in terms of very specific because evs even with any bees are different. They have different motorist, different components, different places where theyre placed so i dont have any particular specific information about the type of shielding or the type of recommendations they do, remediation they do in terms of filtering to be able to pull out some of that static. I gotta tell you, i am skeptical of that. I have to believe that if they really wanted to they could fix that problem. I dont, know maybe im wrong. Lieutenant colonel democracy, while you serve the great state of new jersey as i say. Can you tell me how my constituents in georgia won a category five hurricane without aim radio . Thank you for the question congressman. When those survivors dont have a sense of whats happening around them. It tends to affect adversely the decisionmaking process is. Whether its to shelter in place or go evacuate. We want to make sure that those are the most critical uptodate information possible. New jersey any Emergency Management smithson assisted georgia providing generators to help support power during we appreciate that. It does not go on noted. We definitely know. How important is to make sure some of those critical pieces of infrastructure come back online especially as possible. Part of that process is making sure that your communicating with your public. And has that ability to transcend some of those other challenges in the infrastructure. Mr. Chapman, real quick. You mention in your testimony that a m radio helps those who have poor wireless and broadbands. To stay connected. South georgia they dont have the brass broadband. We got some and its good but we dont have the best. We got a lot of agriculture. This would impact those in our Agriculture Sector as well. What this proves we have a lot of work to do particularly on this committee to improve broadband. Can you please share the volume and type of information that these communities receive through a m radio . Thank you for the question, congressman. We have a lot of farm information that we have on our stations. A lot of that goes on our am Radio Stations. Its very important because thats how its received by those communities. Its also important to point out those communities have other ways to receive things. Its easiest for them when theyre out Something Like that to have it on and i am radio. They have other means but they still choose information across radio. Its one of the most important ways its delivered. Thank you. Thank you, mister chairman. I yield back. Gentlemans time has expired. Chair now recognizes california 29th district. Thank you very much, mister chairman, Ranking Member is important. For some people, radio specifically i am radio is an outdated medium with the shrinking consumer base. However, in latino communities, like the one i represent in the san fernando valley. Radios one of most powerful and farreaching forms of media. In november of last year, Nielsen Media research reported the 97 of latinos over the age of 18 listen to radio in some form every month. This phenomenon is not unique only to the Latino Community. Racial and ethnic minorities in my state across the country turn to radio for content that is more inclusive of their stories, their culture and their experiences and their languages. Mr. , chapman i know my colleagues have asked about this because its an important issue. Can you speak further to what factors allow am radio to target underserved minority communities more effectively than other broadcast mediums and whether or not radio evs in one or more languages in america . Congressman, thank you for the question. Oftentimes over aspect of diversity and voice the access to entry. What im talking about the price of a Radio Station. Am Radio Stations are typically much less expensive today then fm Radio Stations. What that means is somebody wanting to break into our industry that has a desire to speak to a specific community. A voice, community of color. Has the opportunity to get into broadcast ownership where it might be much more difficult with a large general market signal. Thats a very important aspect of how they talk to the community that theyre targeting. Its often overlooked, that relationship ultimately as you reference the High Percentage of Latino Community listening to the station. Its very similar which also occurs in the African American community. Stations that have a diverse listener base oftentimes have the strongest listener base because of the relationship with that community. Cultural competence ian ownership does in fact create an environment where this business has stands higher likelihood are reaching more people. Therefore, being more successful. Absolutely. I can tell you by experience what i was general Sales Manager of indianapolis. If we did not have a message on the air, relating to a particular situation. Audience based oftentimes would doubt that it actually was existing or taking place. That relationship again is central. Despite recent improvements the number of minority of one commercial broadcast asian still lack significant behind their representational shares of the u. S. Population. Mr. Chapman, as somebody who experience purchasing an operating Radio Stations, i wonder if you might have some thoughts or initiatives congress can take to encourage others to follow in the path and expand the number of minority owned commercial Radio Stations across the country. Thank you for the question congressman. Our industry is at the best when the reflective of the communities where we operate. There is an unspoken charge in the Radio Stations need to speak to the people that are available in the community. Number of years ago, there was the tax certificate that it was available for a diverse groups. As broadcasters, we would welcome to see that type of thing in place once again. We know the more that we have a citizenry that is informed the issues that are taking place. Its the best way to guide people through tough times. Its very important. You mentioned earlier what it takes to enter into that industry, that business. There are some barriers. We mourn the loss of somebody who owned Radio Stations, television stations, who got his opportunity in the early 1970s where the fcc actually said lets see if we can entice minorities to go and get involved in ownership. That was walter at a los angeles. Grew up in ended up doing very well. Got a tremendous cultural competency to every station that he was a part of. Therefore, it was incredibly successful. One of the things id like to see happen and we dont have enough time today is to see some of your recommendations of forwarded to this committee. Examples of the past. We were events excessive and getting more participation. Maybe some innovative things we can do going forward. With that, mister chairman, i yield back. Gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes the gentleman from floridas Second District for five minutes. Thank you very much chairman. As weve all heard today. Name radio continues to be important. Offers a broad range of programming and essential emergency announcements transmitted classically on the a. M. Bands. Given the long wavelength of a. M. A. Radio, we can hear from stations hundreds of miles away. Which makes this an ideal former communication and emergency. Im aware of Technology Innovations bringing changes to the status quo. We now have fm and satellite radio and internet and satellite. What im prominent line of communications fail, we need visuals individuals can access the internet or when there is a Natural Disaster. A. Am radio is the last resort. I dont for the life of me, im not sure why were discussing getting rid of that at this particular juncture. I have a few questions for you. Colonel thank you for your time on the panel today. With your background as Deputy Director and many previous roles in this field, i think you know the importance of affective communications during the emergencies. Mr. Chapman, your experience in broadcasting is to remain as well. In the florida panhandle. We suffered a category five hurricane that seriously impacted our lives in our communications we literally lost all cell phones land lines internet and even our police radio for nearly two weeks. What we didnt lose was a am radio. So with the potential of am radio from most of the major automobile manufacturers, do you think fema will be able to communicate effectively with individuals during disasters . Thank you for the question, congressman. As you mentioned, the redundancy that we have built within the integrated public alert mourning system relies upon the amr radio. Most reliable form of communication. During those critical moments when those high winds and other factors can destroy the actual cellular infrastructure or other means of communication with which we have to communicate with the public during a crisis. I think fema recognizes its incredibly important. Mr. Chapman, same question. Congressman, thank you. I believe that there is all kinds of redundancy that are built into the eas substance. Thats why it works well. For the reasons that weve pointed out, a sits at the very beginning of the chain. The ams stations are far superior to the other mechanisms, the Emergency Alert system. To start, its why we chose for 75 of the primary entry point stations to be a. M. Radio stations. That sounds like a strong affirmation. Mr. Schmidt, do you have a feeling about how much it cost to put a name radio in the car . No, i dont have an actual cost for a name radio. Again, probably varies between individual manufacturers and those are proprietary and closely held. We are committed to providing the alerts across the full spectrum of the system. We also have provided just a vast offer of choices for manufacturers. They are still at 99 of vehicles on the road today that have am radios. We will have an radio for quite awhile. As we look at the future and see what makes sense in terms of the ipod system in a femas approach. I guess i will close on this node. Our 82 million americans listening to aim radio and there are 2 million americans driving electric vehicles. I think its a pretty obvious thing to give the am radios alone. With that, i yield back. Thank. You the gentleman yields back. China recognizes gentlelady from michigan for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. A emirate eo may seem arcane to some. Weve already seen in this hearing that currently serves its the backbones fermentation some urgency alert system. Providing an important backstop in times of need. And has proven its continued reliability with other networks failed. Which is why the announcement by some automakers to remove am radio from cars has raised significant concerns for americans. There are questions regarding the overall reach of various forms of Emergency Communications. The depth of information provided by those alerts. Preaccess to alerts and the resiliency of the infrastructure required to provide these alerts. It is crucial that we ensure that all americans can freely access lifesaving information in times of need for interrelated innovative and overlapping forms of emergency Communication Systems. At the same time, we cant ignored technological innovation. Let me start with you mr. Schmidt. In your testimony, you mentioned that the integrated public alert and Warning SystemProgram Management office emphasize in a Strategic Plan for fiscal year 20 to 26. Difficulties are moving away from radio and broadcast is a primary channels for using information. In your estimation if we had an emergency right now during this very hearing. Would you say the Current System is fully equipped to serve and reach every american in times of emergency without assistance from a him radio yes or no . Yes or no please . Madam chair. Sorry. Congressman. No, i do not have the ability to answer that question. I am not. Fema i am not the government. I am not the one to develop this program. We are the ones that work without program to try to support it in the best that we can. I have talked to them. The fact of the matter is based in my conversations, we are not currently adequately prepared to reach all americans in the event of a disaster. Without the assistance of a am Radio Services as a backdrop. Im grateful that all the members of the alliance were automotive innovation have committed to providing multiple channels of free Emergency Alert access to consumers. We need to get far more specific about how they receive these alerts. Mr. Schmidt can you share with us what medium consumers can expect to receive Emergency Alerts and automobiles moving forward. Is it digital analog fm a. M. Satellite or another technology. Are the companies approaching the issue differently. Thank you for the question. With respect to free, that varies between the mediums and even within the medium. As i cant comment. Thats a very basic question. What i will say is there are certainly for example satellites were satellite has their free channel which is always there. It runs and it is without subscription. There are a lot of the analogues and other mechanisms which are free as well. Mister chairman i am going to suggest for instance by the way. Test lets not offer a him now. In its vehicles. I believe this committee should ask every manufacturer whether theyre going to what the commitment is. How much is going to cost. Isnt going to be streamed and when they say its going to be free. Whats the definition of free. Mr. Schmidt, how have your companies also ensure that this medium remains resilient in times of crisis. Or when wireless Network Outages occur. Like i. Said ipod is a network of stuff. Depending on the specific event esther in mediums are maybe more appropriate than. Others everybody may have access because everybodys not telling us exactly how theyre gonna make sure they have that access to those. Mr. Schmidt, when will these Emergency Alerts become standard in new vehicles . Is this commitment the same across all Member Companies or world any differences in terms of what Emergency Communication Services they will receive a new vehicles . I cant comment on individual manufacturers and what exactly is in the program. But there is a commitment that there will be at least some three Emergency Alerts through those vehicles. We dont know whether its going to be ongoing, im going to clearly say consumers should not bear the cost of receiving lifesaving emergency information period. I think its important that every Member Company you represent be unambiguously clear about how consumers will receive these alerts free of charge and standard in new vehicles. I have other questions id like to submit for the record mister chairman. I yield back. Gentlelady yields back. China recognizes gentleman from utah for five minutes. Thank, you mister chairman. Thank you to our witnesses. I come to this meeting a huge fan of a radio. I remember the 19 80s, i used to travel in colorado and i could listen to the Salt Lake City a. M. Radio station. Listen to local Football Games and local news. Of course, like many my colleagues here, want to make sure that i am radio is vibrant and viable for many years into the future. If im honest, im a little conflicted with the concept of the federal government mandating how that is done. I come to this hearing with an open mind. Now with a predetermine judgment. Just simply an open mind. Some of those memories also include eight track tapes. Cigarette lighters. Many will windows and i find myself asking if a track tape industry had lobbied for a mandate would we still be listening to a track tapes. I dont think so. Mr. Chapman, lets agree that the vibrancy of am radio is important for entertainment, for education. Clearly as weve heard today, for emergency situations. As a travel my district, i would challenge anyone have a more rural district than i have in utah. Half of my district is actually friend here. I have more success streaming than i do getting aim radio signals. Im wondering if we set aside this concept about cars for just a minute. Is in the vibrancy of a m radio really contingent on a transition to streaming and should we be having more conversations about how to do that . When im here in washington, i like to listen to that same local a. M. Station when i jog at the mall i can listen to news back home. I dont really care about even an emergency warning here in d. C. I would care about one back in my district. Could you explore with me the future of am radio and if we all agree want to keep it vibrant. Shouldnt we be spending more time talking about transitioning to a new world . Congressman, i appreciate the question. I think its a fair question. One of the things we all come with preconceived notions. One of those is when your reference a track tapes for many years ago. Im part of the generation that grew up with that. When i listen to am radio today, i hear static. It doesnt sound the same fidelity that fm radio sounds. But for the reasons i pointed out earlier. There are clear superior is 4 am radio in times of emergency. I also recognize that we have discussed that at length of this morning. I think that a safety point my point is there is four higher likelihood that i will hear that outside of my car than inside my car. I dont have a current here in d. C. My staff doesnt have a car. If we explore ways for people to access am radio, arent we ensuring former likelihood that they would get those alerts if were making sure that everybody can access aim radio. Almost no matter where they are. During the hearing, my staff i looked on amazon. If you can by name radio for 5. Those of you who want to know what it costs two headed to a car. This is not a cost issue. It may be a technology issue. Where were going in the future issue. Ill give you a chance to respond. Want to ask a couple of more questions. Congressman, one last point. It was back in january, we are moving our daughter from denver up to seattle. We drove through large sections of utah. Our 2013 toroda thats a hybrid. I can listen to a radio in that car. Through that stretch. There were times where there was not enough him station. There were times when there werent am stations. They both complement each other. Some of those more rural areas. For time, im gonna move on. I will tell you i can better access that i am streaming in my car or in rural utah that i can frequently with stations. Colonel, that cigarette lighter in my purse. Was often used to start campfires. Could be considered essential for emergencies. Maybe only in rural utah. In your view, are we looking at this for the wrong paradigm . Should be looking at a new technology. Not to diminish a. I want a him to be part of one of our solution. What role or wed be looking to new technologies. Advancements. Not get stuck in a paradigm that it has to be a traditional am radio as we think about it . Congressman, a great question. I think i dont dispute that. Its not the platform. Its that thing that is a paradigm. It has to be looked and act like an old name radio. Im sorry im at a time. Mister chairman, i yield. The gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes vigilantly from New Hampshire for five minutes. Thank you very much, mister chairman. Thank you for being with us. I think its clear from the discussion today that aim radio remains a staple communication channel across the country. Including my rural district. For music and talk shows to traffic updates in the news, am radio is a trusted platform to connect people with what they want to listen to. Many a embroiled casts Radio Stations are buried locally and help to keep their listeners informed about what is happening in our community. Most critically, americans know and trust they can tune in to their local ami station to receive alerts and stay safe during emergencies including snowstorms and other emergencies in my state. For anyone whos ever found themselves caught driving in a storm, am radio is where you turn to first. They am radio is important in Rural Communities were still coverage can be spotty and Broadband Services may be limited in thats classic for my district. For rural americans, i am radius reliable and accessible way to stay connected when it matters most. Well Congress Continues to work to connect Rural Communities and bridge the digital divide. A. Am radio remains an essential communications channel. Thats why i joined our chairman and representative pence and sending a letter seeking information from the major automakers on their plans to phase and radios out of their vehicles. I remain concerned that removing the radios from new vehicles would put rural americans at a risk of not receiving critical Emergency Alerts and safety information. Lieutenant colonel can you elaborate on other available emergency communication tools and how these tools operate in rural areas. What are the alternatives . In our rural areas. We push the message through the public alert Warning System. It hits several different pieces of the architecture. Warning us communicating through the am and fm platforms. Certainly through the television. Communicating those critical messages. But also it ties into wireless Emergency Alerts systems. Which again depending upon the reach of those cellular towers, hopefully theyre connected with those rural areas. As weve seen, even in the areas adjacent to my area. In southern new jersey which is very rural. Some of the seller reaches very limited. Some cases that messaging doesnt necessarily reach. Thank you, i am radio is not only Emergency Management tool available but its clearly our most reliable tool to reach the widest audience at this time. While i recognize the importance of a im radio, i also support the innovation and development of new technologies. I think this is where mr. Curtis was going. Electric vehicles are the future of our nations transportation system. We must be careful not to stifle widespread deployment. Mr. Schmidt, how will you potential mandate to require a im radio in all vehicles impact the function and adoption of electric vehicles. Thank you for the question. As i mentioned earlier, regulation is a blunt instrument. It goes to perpetuity. Even if you have vehicles that have this acknowledge your mandate forever basically. You are looking at a system that fema has concerns about it. Declining listener ship. We are looking at more and better ways of trying to deliver alerts. I think were generally not against our favor of this area. We have our commitment is we are gonna be providing as much through the ipods network as possible. Consumers have wide range of options. Currently there about 99 of vehicles on the road. At which that will not change dramatically in the next future. We will have time tok how we maybe evolve the system in more positive way. Thank you. You more for you, mister is already falling behind for a number of reasons. Will the removal of a emory idiopathic be yet another barrier to adoption of evs in Rural Communities. As i mentioned, we have fairly reasonable array of technologies that ev customers can use to reach get to these alerts. I dont see it as being an impediment to our ev penetration. Thank you. Congress has a delicate responsibility of protecting Public Safety without hampering innovation. I look forward to our continuing discussion in this committee. With that, i yield back. 15 seconds to spare. Actually it was 16 over. We can ignore that. Gentle ladys time has expired. The chair now recognizes gentleman for five minutes. Thank you, chairman and Ranking Member matsui for putting together todays hearing on a emirate e o. Thank you to the witnesses for providing such valuable insight. My district is in the heart of rural pennsylvania. Many my constituents and residents alike rely every day on a him radio to receive their local news from weather to sports. We hear all too often that information is power. But in my district in pennsylvania, the information is protection. With that knowledge, we know that fema relies on aim radio to provide alerts for the national Emergency Alert system to our communities. Thus protection. With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, some have raised concerns that the elimination of m radio will be strict critical access to Emergency Alerts for those without cell phones. Some believe fm could soon follow. Despite millions of Americans Still relying on radio for their news, various tactics, various talk shows and ultimately for their protection. Mr. Chapman, given that a emery d. I. O. Is often used in times of Severe Weather and Natural Disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes. What kind of safeguards to the stations have in place to ensure that these alerts are able to reach as many people as possible. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on that. I can tell you that every Radio Station that is part of the network and it is virtually every station across the country has certain protocols systems we have to adhere to. There is a regular testing that takes place. Unlike the systems that are in place, we continually go through and make sure over the radio is accessible. The other is not a holes or gaps in our system. Having that extra layer of protection. Having the testing in place to make sure that the holes and gaps are not present. Particularly in areas like rural parts of america. Do you feel that the leading aim radio will provide a National Safety risk. I think that is the biggest question obviously were talking about right here. Or the system has redundancies. Weve talked about that this morning. There are parts and roles that i am radio plays in it. That cannot be substituted by reforms. It was chosen and weve talked about it a couple of times as the primary entry point or the National Alerts that go out. The reason for that is those Radio Stations covering 90 of the united states. There are 60 of the 70 some Radio Stations that our ppe stations that cover the entire network. That is the most reliable method that we have in any time a crisis. That reliability is important. Colonel to maze, how many cell phones are not capable of the wireless Emergency Alerts and could those that are not capable so phones be at risk without a am radio to missing emergency amber and president ial alerts. Especially in Rural Communities . Thank you for the question, congressman. I dont have the data on what that would turn out to be. I can only state that having the aim radio available to communicate those messages out. The backup whether thats earlier devices functioning or not. Its a critical importance. As a followup, are individuals currently able to opt out of these imminent threat alerts through the warren act defeating the function of this system. And without those mobile alerts, what are the remaining ways to be notified of Severe Weather or these Communication Systems in the near future going to be implemented to reach rural constituents like mine during an emergency. Im not aware of process of opting out a certain messaging. As the process. But i can stated that we will still leverage other platforms through the integrated public alert Warning System such as television. We have the ability to leverage other sources of communications such as reversed 911. We can hit hardline phones. Or the resident connect program. There are multiple means to build redundancy with the public. Again as mission through the hearing, it is warning aim radio is the most consistent dependable and reliable particularly for those areas. That are more rural. I think its worth as my time finishes here, repeating that i am radio is the most consistent reliable for communication that we have right now. Thank you mister chairman. My time is expired. I yield. Thank you, the gentleman yields back. The chair now recognizes the gentlelady from illinois for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. I want to thank you Ranking Member matsui for holding this important hearing this morning. Also want to thank our witnesses. To help us better understand why keeping a. M. Radio receivers and new vehicles has become an emerging issue and why these and tenners are something so many ev manufacturers have removed their vehicles. I am well aware that i am radio receivers and cars are an Important Role for various subsector community. One of my channels in chicago that i listen to all the time, they are very important. Especially in the black community and hearing different opinions. Getting the word out. Whats going on locally but also nationally also. Ive also heard from those a radio receivers and cars are less of a necessity someone here today. Im encouraged by todays hearing because we have members of congress that we can be informed by Industry Leaders. As to why and how this Important Technology is and how useful it is to our constituents. My district is i want to talk about from 1200 farms to 2000. I want to hear mr. Chapman. How do local farmers in the field in our roadways utilize a am radio. What would be the alternative for my rural constituents if their radio is not assessable to them. Congresswoman kelly, thank you for the question. Rural america, they am oftentimes is the best vehicle that we have to get out of that programming. Extended to long form. Its oftentimes not to use for songs and things like that. A. Am Radio Stations are the primary point that renews which is the community that its intended. A m is central to agriculture. Just like it is communities and urban. So according to what my colleague was trying to say. And when my colleague miss custer as far as Technology Moving forward. Is there any moving forward really for a local farmers or constituency if we didnt have him radio . One of the things thats come up this morning is there are multiple ways for people in this day in age to find a Different Things. A Central Point why this all is important is a m is the easiest way for people to do it. There are things that people in rural areas can subscribe to. But agnews coming over a satellite to a farm may not be the best use because of the subscription fees that are involved in delivering satellite news and individual farms. Satellite radios another example. All of these things have subscriptions. This is the one mechanism that we have that is free to deliver these types of things. Thank you. Colonel, how to name radio help level the Playing Field for nonenglish speakers. Especially in emergency situations. Thank you for the question, congresswoman. As mentioned throughout the hearings today, relatively low barrier to entry to broadcast to different Diverse Communities through this particular platform make it ideal for us communicate with underserved and socially vulnerables may not have access to some of those resources in their native languages. The ability of those broadcasters to communicate directly with the groups that they reach out to. That information is of critical importance to making sure the public is fully aware what the situation is. As a relaces astors. Thank you. Im going to yield back. Seven seconds. Thank you for the witnesses. The gentlelady yields back. The china recognizes the gentleman from georgia for five minutes. Thank, you mister chairman. Want the opportunity to address the importance of a emirate eo. Its already been mentioned in our Rural Communities. I represent a large part of georgia. Georgias rural community. In the southeast. Plays a part in our community. Particularly in areas where Consistent Service is a challenge. Thats due to factors of pine trees and other things. A. Am radio remains a lifeline for constituents providing reliable access to viable information and Emergency Alerts and public announcements. Its crucial to understand in rural areas like mine, aim radios a critical source of news, information, entertainment for residents. Who may have limited access to other communication technologies. Reach and reliability of him radio signals and make it to the most dependable means of communication in Rural Communities. It cannot penetrate obstacles such as vegetation i have witnessed firsthand how am Radio Stations in my district played a vital role in disseminating information during emergencies and Severe Weather events. Ensuring their constituents stay informed and safe. I urge the continued cooperation between automakers, radio broadcasters and Technology Experts to find Innovative Solutions that. Preserve the accessibility and reach of a im radio while addressing the unique challenges posed by evs. Colonel, i Market Forecast about 2035 40 of sales will be electric vehicles. From an Emergency Alerting perspective. All these cars are a large subset of they do not have a medio. What is your confidence level that the state will be able to sendification that your citizens will receive . Thank you for the question, congressman. Our experience has been during this critical moment at disasters. The silhouette network tend to be overwhelmed. Either through compromise of the infrastructure due to damaging winds or its overlooked form multiple residents trying to communicate with loved ones. The network can tend to collapse and not be available to the customer base. However, as many people in the population that exist are able to access them radio. No matter the condition. Mr. Chapman, you mentioned how many i am stations in your testimony. Can you elaborate on that . And how many there are in eas, and while other forms of communication dont have the scale and reach that a. M. Does. Thank, you congressman. I am Radio Stations are a primary entry point for the National Global alert. It will begin on the am Radio Stations. At least 75 of them, there is some 1880 stations that are being a peace day shuns. And so that is the beginning point, those stations were chosen for the characteristics we have talked about already. And it is central to making sure that when there is an important message, it gets out in a way that can be received by the other stations that are part of the eas network. We begin with our most important that can reach the most number of people, and then the next level is then we go to the next level, which is l b two. Have there been studies on how a am radio has interfered with the spectrum utilized in Autonomous Vehicles . Im not aware of it. Mr. Chapman, from my understanding, the issue on electric vehicles is that the drive generates electromagnetic frequencies on the same wavelength as analog radio signals which heavily interferes with the signal quality. Is that correct . Congressman, Toyota Motor Company has got roughly 5. 1 million electrified vehicles on the road. Thats more than all the other combined auto makers in the united states. Some of those are hybrid, some of those are electric vehicles. And dave determined that they have got a way to isolate the noise. Its not an issue, and i can tell you that the electric vehicles had a. M. Radios in them and most of the vehicles that were manufactured before 2015, they all had a am radios in them. There has been some change for some reason. Electromagnetic interference can be protected in these cars. Okay. And as far as the am radio signals, they experience the same kind of interference as analog signals. Analog and digital stations have interference, but it presents itself in different ways. Okay. What would be the cost of upgrading a tower from analog to digital . This is a cost that varies by Radio Station, but it would be a significant cost. So it would be difficult, unless i was commenting on a particular tower, a particular transmission facility. Thank you so much. And mister chairman, i yield back. Thank you. The gentleman yields back, the chair now recognizes the gentleman from texas for five minutes. Thank you so much, chairman latta and Ranking Member matsui for convening todays hearing and thank you to all of our witnesses for the time weve taken this morning to testify. Its not surprising to me, as i go toward the end of the questioning, that a lot of the things i have prepared to talk to you about this morning have already been covered. But i do want to talk about a couple of those things, and follow up on the good questions that have been asked. Some of the answers that you have given, and i represent the Houston Texas area. So we are very familiar with the importance of a am radio for Emergency Alerts, as well as all the other purposes weve been talking about here this morning. And i know my constituents care deeply about this issue, in the last couple months this issue has been more and more in the news and in our conversations. Ive heard from our constituents in a very organic way about their concerns, about making sure they can continue to have access to am radio. There are certain things you touched on, and i want to emphasize they are really important to us. Weve talked about the importance of being able to communicate in different languages, in my own district, in our area. More than 114 eight languages are spoken, the idea that you can get to various communities through am radio is absolutely borne out in our district and really important for communicating within the district. And of course, we are no stranger to weather disasters and other emergencies, unfortunately. Summer and winter and this is been a critical lifeline for us. These are the priorities of our community, and you all have talked a lot about that this morning, so i appreciate your insights. It has been incredibly helpful. What i am not sure, representative alan was asked some questions about this and mr. Chapman was saying, somethings changed recently. And im not sure weve got the answer about why exactly this move is being made. Why the manufacturers specifically are thinking about moving it, there are some suggestions about whether there is interference with the aim signal, and as you said, weve had electric cars for going on two decades now. And this is a more recent issue. I think this is something i would really like to understand better. Why its happening, and im not sure weve got the answer to that question this morning. And then the other thing that mr. Curtis touched on, i think its also important, was this question about the difference between digital and analog. Hi to love listening to my Digital Radio here in d. C. I tune into my Houston Public Media station, and listen to whats going on at home every single morning. But those are the questions, and it goes together. What is the change . Does it have to do with analog, and i will look to you mr. Schmidt. If you could just talk a little bit, and trying to give us a concise answer on why this is happening now. And then maybe turn to you, mr. Chapman, for a final comment if we have time. Thank you for the question. With respect to changes over time, i have to admit, my expertise is on the safety, and not in the actual ev architecture. So i am going to have to come back to you with some information. I think its a great question, and we will provide that for you. Okay, thank you. I would appreciate if you could supplement. I know we will have a couple weeks to supplement the record. Its important for us to understand that, so what i have to relented questions. One based on your experience, and to, what weve heard is that there is a move towards digital, that can be part of it. Can you speak to the expense, and the differences you might see in terms of reach, resiliency, and strength of analog and digital signals. I love my Digital Radio, but can you talk to that, and what those concerns and issues might be in your answer. Thank you, congresswoman. I have listened to you talk about houston and harvey, our son, was in houston at that time. There were 16 some inches of rain. He knew the power was going to go out. He knew he had to park up on the second level, so he was going to be in a place where he could get information. Sometimes the power was out for extended periods. Just to touch on digital very quickly, broadcasting in all digital, theres a station thats doing it here in frederick maryland. Most people cant receive it. Theres only a small percentage of receivers. Thank you for that, i appreciate that. I too have a weather radio, it is a great map and it is critically important that we preserve this ability to communicate with people in times of disaster. Thats certainly true of our experience in houston. I thank you so much for holding this very important hearing, and i yield back. Thank you. The gentleladys time has expired. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from ohio for five minutes. Thank you all for being here today. There is no question about the importance of a. M. Radio to my constituents. Farmers rely on it for crop reports, and as you mentioned, individuals and families living in broadband deserts rely on am to stay connected to their communities. You often refer to the am signal as resilient. Can you please briefly explain the difference between a am and fm signals, and why you believe the a. M. Signal is more resilient than fm . Congressman, thank you for the question. Touching on the difference in properties, between 8 am and fm, the fm signal is much shorter. The am signal is a much longer wavelength. And what that means is a longer wavelength travels a much larger distance. So thats one of the properties. It also will go through Solid Objects, unlike what a shorter fm signal will do. So there is ways that it can certainly adapt and in the evening, for example, those that might listen to one Radio Station, they are going from greatest and the way. So theres Different Things that are Single Properties that are really important to the embassy and. Then the fm ban doesnt possess. Thank you. My colleague said a lot of questions have been asked. But it is from endemic. Here weve been hearing a lot about the analog versus the digital aim radio signals. In 2020, the fcc issued a report in order authorizing aim Radio Stations to voluntarily. Transition to an all digital signal. Back to you, mr. Chapman. I apologize. Did any of your am Radio Stations broadcast additional signaling Community Benefits of drawbacks digital am radio signal versus a traditional analog signal . Congressman balderson, i would welcome the opportunity if it was a Good Opportunity for us to transition to digital a. M. Unfortunately, most of our listeners cant receive digital signals on the a. M. Band. There is differences in the receivers and such. For the same reason its important to keep a am radio in cars in its current format. Its important for us to give access to all americans four a. M. In its current form. It would require a change of receiver standards which is a different question entirely. The reason we dont make the transition is people would do you know if any of the aim stations operate as a primary entries point currently broadcast in the signal . No, they do not. Thank you. Thats done for my questioning. Mr. Schmidt, thank you for being here. In the case of electric vehicles the batteries interfere with the aim signaling requiring filters to be installed to prevent interference. Falling of my question mr. Chapman, this interference only an issue with a traditional analog and seen or would we see the same interference occur with the digital receiver installed with electric vehicles. Unfortunately, i am a safety engineer. I dont have expertise on that at this moment. But i can certainly bring that back to you. Did you honorees or hand, mr. Chapman. Electrical medic interference have Different Properties for each band. It affects am chances. From also whether it was in the digital or the analog structure. The shielding that takes place in cars needs to protect am and fm. Thats generally how theyre designed. Thank you very much for being here today. Mister chairman, i yield back my remaining time. Thank, you the gentleman yields back. The chair recognizes the gentlelady from new york for five minutes. Thank, you mister chairman. Let me think Ranking Member us as well. When we think our panelists for joining us today to discuss this important issue. With the rapid pace of technological advances and communication technology. Over the past two decades. It would be easy to overlook the Important Role that a am radio has historically played in keeping us all informed safe and connected. In addition to often being a primary source of news or immigrant communities. Am radio signals travel farther and can reach far more people than fm radio. What am radio may lack is sound quality and more than makes of four in reach and resiliency. Making it an essential component of our National PublicWarning System. The redundancies that a emergency broadcast provide ensures that americans have a reliable channel to receive critical information in times of crisis and Natural Disasters. Additionally, aim Radio Stations play a crucial role in increasing the diversity of media ownership. As they are more likely to be owned by women and minority ownership groups at fm stations and other media. The premature demise of am radio would represent a significant blow to efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in media ownership and limit the diversity of programming available to consumers. With that being said, im also extremely proud of the American Automakers that have stepped up to help usher in a Clean Energy Future by shifting more towards electric vehicles. The transportation sector has long been ripe for decarbonization and i commend the Automotive Industry for moving quickly to make a zero emission Transportation Future a concrete reality instead of simply a possibility. As we move towards a future, it is essential that Industry Leaders and policymakers keep Public Safety concerns at top of mind. We must safeguard our Energy Future without some sacrificing essential Communication Channels in the president. Mr. Schmidt, first let me thank you for your organizations plainly stated commitment to ensuring the drivers continue to have access to public alerts and safe warnings. As you stated in your testimony, there are any number of reasons why automakers me certain choices on a Vehicle Designs and futures offered. Id like to get a better understanding of the technological issues at play with respect in evs. While explaining decisions to remove am radio from evs so, many factories have cited electromagnetic interference. Generally from electric batteries or motors as among the factors impacting that decision. Nevertheless, in a reversal of this decision to remove a radio from 2024 models, ford indicated plans to issue a Software Update to vehicles already on the road without a radio. Mr. Schmidt, my question is when it comes to addressing electrical magnetic interference, are the solutions rooted in hardware or software or combination of both . As i mentioned from the ford perspective, they had the hardware in the vehicle. They were planning to remove and radios so it was receipts removed by software. Then they reverse their decision, they just didnt use software to bring it back. I would say that i cant say anything for any other manufacturers other than forward. They authorize me to i had communications with them. It remains to be seen. Mr. Chapman, in your testimony, you spoke to the importance of a emory doa search and focus on local communities. Excuse me, reach and focus. Can you expound briefly on why am radio is so important for rural minority and historic lee undeserved communities. And how these could be impacted by the demise of am radio. Congresswoman clark. One of the things that we touched on earlier but is really important is the opportunity to get into ownership. We need our ownership to be reflective of the communities where we operate. Cost of entry in the name station is much less than fm say shin. Oftentimes, stations that the program to specific groups that may not be the general market. Chosen to go and because its a business model. Sustainable for them with that cost. Very well. Mister chairman, i yield back the balance of my time. Gentlewoman yields back. Well go next to my colleague from texas. Congressman pfluger, youre recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. Thank you to the witnesses for being here. I want to start colonel the maze, asking a quick question about the security implications. And the military got myself. You always need backup communications. I see that baseline back up in something that our emergency systems and clearly depend on. Give me a brief statement on what a am radio does as baseline backup emergency broadcast system. What it does for our security in this country. Thank you, congressman. One is none, too is one and three is almost what you need. In the case of Emergency Management, the ability to have redundancy, variety of platforms. Knowing as i mentioned, murphys law, at some point one if not a multiple platforms will fail in this critical moment is something that we build into our Emergency Management processes. We want to make sure all those resources are available to communicate with the public during a crisis. A. Am radio platform in and of itself has the greatest of all of our forms of communication with the public. And has been proven to be the most consistently reliable. I think to our local broadcaster in midland texas, craig anderson, the ability to get muchneeded information out to the population is so important. Its one of the keys for broadcasting that we need. From a broadcasting perspective, can you talk to me about the differences between the digital and analog broadcast, and is it changing . Again, like my colleagues mr. Curtis and others have said, i want to keep an open mind here. I know for sure we need a radio in this country. And can you talk about digital and analog differences . Sure. Thank you for the question. Ill talk really quickly in terms of the differences with a. M. , in terms of how its broadcast. What we are most familiar with, what we all listened to is analog a. M. On the other end of the spectrum is digital a. M. , and the receivers today, very few of them can receive all digital. What we are also familiar with is what is called hybrid. And that is stations that in banned deliver both digital and analog broadcasting. The challenge is for the hybrid broadcasting, it is not a reliable system. It is very finicky, its tricky to keep it operating well. But its what we chose as a country during the commission to get to the digital place that we needed on the embassy and. The station i mentioned earlier is broadcasting all digital, it sounds like a seeding, its wonderful. But we cant listen to it unless we have the radio that receives it. Thats a great point. I think i wanted to establish the fact that a. M. Radio is a National Security issue. Its an issue for our Security Management system. The receiver is important in this. When i listen to k well in midland, texas, myself and many other ranchers, farmers, people who are in the oil fields, they may not have a digital receiver. Or a hybrid receiver. So mr. Schmidt, i recently signed on to a letter upstairs. Were having a Committee Hearing on mandates from another federal agency. Im not a pro mandate kind of a person. But im very concerned about the lack of a. M. Radios and vehicles. I would like to hear what your thoughts are, and how we continue to allow private markets to work, but also allow our population to have the ability to tune in. It really is a National Security issue. Yeah, thank you for the comment and question. Yeah, as i have reiterated, our members are fully committed to providing a plethora of options and mechanisms through the ipods system and the radio is one of them. We also are our members go through and look at the consumer demands, consumer relationship, and that folds into their individual product decisions. Which i cant elaborate on any further. But it is manufacturers now offer a dizzying amount of options. And i think thats good. And we look forward to working with the federal government, fema, and trying to strengthen the whole system. Because i do understand and recognize through the very Strategic Plans that fema has concerns about a m radios future, because of declining listener ship. We have to look forward at what we can do to provide the nation with what they need. Thank you. I would encourage that. Its very important, this is foundational to our National Security, and to getting information out to the populace. And with that, mister chairman, i yield back. The gentleman yields back. We will go next to the gentlewoman from tennessee, missed hershberg or. You are recognized for ten minutes. Thank, you mister chairman. Thank you for being here today. Ive come to testify. This is just my opinion, but i think taking him radios out of the car was a bad decision by automakers. Most of the people in my district put gas in their cars, or gas or diesel in their trucks. And they dont drive a lot of them have computers that they dont get on very often, and they dont have smartphones. And mr. Smith, my question to you is, our manufacturers are considering cutting i say that because i heard something mr. Chapman said earlier. He alluded to that. As ive mentioned, we are committed for a full range and plethora of options for getting these systems. And individual Company Decisions on specific technology is not something i really can comment on. Okay. Thats fine. Mr. Chapman, you said in your statement earlier, most tv stations are a. M. Radio stations because their signals can cover vast areas. Some of them have a 700 mile coverage radius, through Solid Objects like mountains. I represent east tennessee. All we have is mountains. We have the great smoky mountains. And fema has invested millions in these stations. And they are battle hardened to withstand various National Disasters. So we are able to communicate critical information. You also say that wireless Emergency Alerts are not as reliable in these situations as cell towers can be damaged. And networks are overwhelmed by high call volume. You talked about some of the forest fires, Severe Weather events and forest fires. And i represent the great smoky mountains, and we have a wildfire that destroyed numerous homes. We had one of the worst disasters in tennessee in 2016, with the fires in gatlinburg. And we lost a lot of lives. And there were communication problems, they were overwhelmed. Radio systems were overwhelmed. And vance why i feel like we absolutely need to keep the amr radio service. As an emergency system, and we are paying consumers to buy evs, which is indirectly a subsidy to automakers. And you tell me if you agree with this, but maybe we should think about removing that tax credit for evs if they dont have an m radio system. But it is an important thing to keep these avenues open for things like that. Lieutenant colonel, if you have anything to add about the emergency broadcast systems and how important they are . Thank you for the opportunity, congresswoman. I agree. We have some rural areas in new jersey, as much as you might look like a very suburban and urban state. The reach of the Cellular Networks those areas, particularly in areas where we just had forest fires this past week, it was very limited. And Communications Means with those individuals, if they have to evacuate, it primarily would have been through an radio and communicate with those partners. Yeah. Thats the issue. And i have two district counties where, when i said that earlier, it wasnt to say that were not a sophisticated district. Is to say the lot of people dont have the smartphones. A lot of people dont Access Computers because we have a lack of broadband. So my opinion is that its critically important to keep am services going. And with that, mister chairman, i yield back. The gentleman yields back. We will go next to the gentleman from idaho, mr. Fulcher. You are recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. I have a question for Lieutenant Colonel in terms of emergency broadcast, your deputy state director of Emergency Management, youve also had goals in emergency state response commissions. What do you share for a moment, about the footprint of ami versus upper emergency broadcasting channels. What percentage of emergency broadcasting would you say goes currently through am channels . Thats a technical question. I dont necessarily have the exact scope and answer to it. I am kind of understanding could you speak to the level of dependence that our emergency systems have on a m versus other options. In a rural areas, certainly that percentage of dependence would be much higher. Then Cellular Networks, and there are areas, maybe not new jersey, where there is no cellular connectivity whatsoever. In many cases, we are seeing transition throughout our society where people are not securing land lines as much anymore. And relying on Cellular Networks for their communications. So to the point of, we have that crisis and that emergency, and it is either at the residents, or maybe in transition through an area with very limited cellular connectivity. The aim radio band will be one of the primary means it is a significant vehicle for communications. Yes sir. Mr. Schmidt, there has been a couple of questions that have come your way in this regard. I dont know that i really have a good understanding of your comments on it. Maybe thats on purpose, maybe its not. But how is it that not all auto manufacturers are having the same issues with interference when it comes to emergency vehicles . Interference, in might understand interference is dependent on vehicle architecture. Even within various evs, those architectures change. Motors can be indifferent places, the Electronic Devices can be a different places. The receiver can be in different places. And the space, mf drops off rapidly with space. So what may be an issue with one manufacturer versus another, and a remediation from one to another will be somewhat different. I really cant comment, since im not aware of specific architectures. But i think there are differences in how Vehicle Manufacturers are constructed, and the levels of mf. The levels of shielding needed, and also within the software used to filter the signals to clean them up. Im having a hard time of the technical front. A little bit of technical background. With the response from a summit that this is a technical issue. Its an interference that can be overcome or is too cumbersome. Weve heard things about the shielding expense. The weight do you buy into that . You are a safety person. Is there a safety implication to this . From a safety standpoint, i think its critical and thats where our commitment comes from. We are looking at all avenues of the icons to provide alerts. Our numbers are committed to doing that. We provide many ways of doing information through vehicles now. In terms of implementing a him option. You are not aware of safety concerns. In terms of the actual implement in the vehicle . Im not. Mister chairman, would you care to address any of that . Just to reframe my comment. Im struggling with this idea that we have technical obstacles. We cant get this put in place. But he, at some supplier, some manufacturers seem to be able to get this handled and some did not. Can you comment on that . Congressman, i think thats a fair question. Im a broadcaster. There are automakers that have chosen to figure out. Automakers have not. Other than that, i dont know how to answer it. We dont asked a moment ago but a number of Radio Stations. It was roughly 15,000 commercial Radio Stations across the country. 4500 are those are in Radio Stations. Put into perspective, the Emergency Alert system. Thank you for that. All right but my comments with this. I think you said a key word. In your answer. You said they had chosen to work this out. I think thats exactly right. I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Well go back to my colleague from ohio. Congressman johnson, youre recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman for allowing me todays hearing. A am radio reception is an Important Communications acid for rural appalachian areas including much of my district in ohio. Personally, i appear frequently on a radio shows as a way to communicate constituents in my district. More importantly, it was unnecessary and critical Public Safety asset. Especially for remote areas for bulk Cellular Service are not always available. Im pleased that legislation the alert parity act recently passed the house representatives as it calls for the establishing of rules through which providers of emergency Connectivity Service can provide access to 911 an Emergency Alerts and unserved areas. Its unfathomable for many to understand that there remains in america are remote areas that still lack reliable. So we will service and removing a am radio signals from the vehicles would only compounded the issue by cutting off access to the backbone of our nations Emergency Communications infrastructure. In areas that have truly limited communication options already. Thank you, chairman for holding this important hearing. Thank you to our witnesses for providing valuable insight on this issue today. Mr. Schmidt. You stated in your testimony that the integrated public alert and Warning System was designed to provide redundant alert to mechanisms to ensure the public has access to multiple outwards. To receive Emergency Alerts. As i just, mentioned there are remote areas in my district that lack cellular and broadband service. If i am radio receivers are removed from vehicles, can you please discuss the options people who live or travel in these remote areas will have a receiving Emergency Alerts . And Public Safety information . Thank you for that question. As you mention from were committed to looking at the whole range of the that is the Safety Network as well. There are things such as satellite that you have very strong coverage across the nation as well. Each part of that network has pros and cons. I think thats why femas looking to try to diversify and modernize it. I think again, our view is Technology Forward were trying to look at how to address some of the issues that femas already identified with a how to move forward for the future . Let me expand on that question. Let me ask you a different way. And no cellular, no broadband. Seems to me like in many areas of the country and if we take a m out. The only communication people havent rural areas is satellite, correct . Mr. Chapman. As you know, broadcasters stepped up during the covid pandemic to continue providing local communities with fact based journalism and breaking news and support for local businesses. What was the role of a am radio in this type of coverage . Congressman, thank you for the question. One of the things that we did early on. We did fundraisers for local businesses. This is a small town as it gets. We opened up the mics. We started selling business cards for those businesses. That money went to those local businesses. Thats one way that radio steps up. Another way is an increase investment we made in our news operation. There are towns like anderson indiana that have been through a lot. They need somebody to help them understand complex issues. When we apart news department, whbq, it means that were having more people to deal with those issues. To have it on the radio so the community can of understanding. Its the same thing weve done it with reprogramming when a stations. Its to help the community understand. In your view, other benefits of am radio for communities that cannot provide it to absolutely. We have those two examples i just showed you. Mister chairman, i yield back. An entire 21 seconds. Thank you gentleman for yielding back. Looks like im batting cleanup. All recognize myself for five minutes. We want to thank you for your testimony today. Youve done a really good job of illustrating why am radio is so important, mister chairman. I found your testimony about the incident with your family to be very poignant. I want to echo the comments of several of my colleagues. Most recently congressman pfluger. Saying that normally im not a fan of government mandates. I think the consumers are generally very intelligent about deciding what theyre willing to pay for and why. As long as its explain to them. The question that were debating today is whether or not department of transportation should be empowered the mandate that aim radio will be part of a new car. I want to direct e. Coli questions. Mr. Schmidt, do you know about how much inclusion of a name radio as to the car. Thank you for the question. As i, mentioned i think if we came in. That information that i dont have a firm grasp on. Thats individual for each manufacturing individual systems. What kind of remediation levels you can provide. I think its fair to say its probably not 1. Its probably in the hundred dollar range. Something like that. Does that sound fair . I really dont know. Im just guessing. Its more than just equipment. Its an antenna and, ian antonio installed in the car. Less just say its that a range of that figure. Without arguing one side or another. How would you articulate the argument to a consumer who says thats 100 of my money. I dont want in a am radio. Ive got other means of getting emergency information. Why are you forcing me department of transportation to pay 100 or more for this equipment that i dont want . Was that address to me . Its a hypothetical conversation with a consumer. To you, i dont want to be forced to pay 100 for a court that i dont want and will use. I think our position is that we think mandates are a blunt instrument. Especially for technology that as fema has said has some declining listener ship. I think again, i think its important for consumers to understand and make these decisions. Fair enough. Lieutenant colonel domains. I enjoyed your testimony. One of the things that stuck with me is the statistic that you cited that a third of a m radio listeners are 60 years of age or older. I think that sounds about right. In my experience, might be a little low. One concern i have is that in modern cars, the aim radio system is buried so far in the user interface i question whether or not consumers can even find it. If i put my mother in my car, its all touch screens. I asked her to name Radio Station. Not sure she could do it. What do you think about that . Thank, you congressman. Its a very interesting point. I think it goes down to the preparedness components of Emergency Management. We want people to exercise the planet so to speak. Whatever that plan might be in crisis. Make sure that they know what works. The time to sort out where those things are is in the middle of the storm it may take some education and our Reach Associated with achieving that goal. Its a worthwhile endeavor. I completely agree with you. Mr. Chapman, your testimony was very moving to me about the experience with the trained realm and. Youve mentioned that getting the information that you got over the radio, that was the only solution at the time because alfonso the time were not capable of delivering that information. Now they are. In the do it in a way that is fundamentally different from radio which is one directional stream of information whereas the cell phone you could say what has happened, it can answer you. Why would as technology changes, as the way cars are equipped as changing. Why should our method of delivery for this emergency formation of change with it . Congressman, thank you. I think its a fair question. Weve evolved the fema mechanisms from 50 years ago in our current form of alerts. It is important that we recognize how to of all things. At the same time, we can stop and make a hard no and say were no longer going to access a significant portion of the population. Which this would do right now. Its important to look at innovation. We dont have a ready fix to do at this point in time with removal of a. M. From the system. Want to thank you for this testimony. We have no questions left here in the room. I ask unanimous consent to a surge in the record the documents included all the staff here, documents list. Without objection, that will be the order. Seeing no further members to be recognized, thank you very much for your testimony and for your willingness to be here today to educate. All of us on this important issue. Youre being know for their visit for the subcommittee. I remind members theyve ten Business Days amid questions for the record. I asked the witnesses to respond to questions promptly. I know you will. Members of some of their questions without objection, the subcommittee is now adjourned