[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 82 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
                         AM RADIO IS ESSENTIAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Alford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I grew up on AM radio: listening to the 
news; listening to Dr. Demento; the ``CBS Radio Mystery Theater,'' 
falling asleep at night in my bed while listening to that on the 
weekends; and Rush Limbaugh, who not too long ago sat right up there in 
that gallery recognized by President Trump. I even interned for the 
late Larry King. I love AM radio.
  I rise today to address an urgent concern that is impacting our 
Nation's heartland and America in general: the decision by some car and 
truck manufacturers to eliminate, do away with, AM radio from their 
systems, including the F-150, the Ford F-150 that is made in Claycomo, 
near Kansas City, not too far from my district.
  You see, AM radio is an essential platform for conservative voices 
like Pete Mundo and Chris Stigall and listeners who rely on the truth 
that they hear from AM stations, like KCMO, KRMS, KMMO, KOKO, KDRO, 
KWTO, and KSGF.
  AM radio is the lifeblood of information for our farmers and ranchers 
in particular, providing crucial updates on weather patterns, market 
shifts, and agricultural news. It is also a vital platform for 
emergency information. Under the Communications Act of 1934, AM radio 
is there for a reason. It is there to operate in the public interest, 
and that is exactly what it does.
  Mr. Speaker, farmers are the backbone of our Nation's food security, 
yet they operate in some of the most isolated regions, often lacking 
access to modern high-speed internet or digital services.
  Did you know, Mr. Speaker, that there are more than 4,000 AM radio 
stations in the United States, with more than a third dedicated to 
agricultural programming? That is one-third of the stations. That is a 
big number.
  This is not a dying medium, Mr. Speaker. It is a vibrant network that 
connects diverse communities across our Nation. We must remind our car 
manufacturers to consider the wider impact of their decisions.
  Let's make sure that conservative voices are protected. Let's make 
sure that emergency communications are protected, as well, for our 
farmers and ranchers in particular. Let's make sure our rural 
communities, our farmers and ranchers, the unsung heroes of our Nation, 
remain connected, remain informed, and remain respected.
  Mr. Speaker, in the 1980s, I remember when MTV first came on and the 
little jingle, ``I want my MTV.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is 2023, and I want my AM radio.

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