AM Radio-NAFB Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. AM radio is the backbone of America's National Public Warning System, but some automakers say they’re eliminating AM radio from many new vehicles starting next year.That is a problem the National Association of Farm Broadcasting wants broadcasters and the listening public to become aware of and understand.
NAFB President Joe Gill says the focus right now is on educating others about the importance of AM radio, especially in rural America …
GILL … “As you look at some of the research on how many radios actually farmers and some of those folks have in their home, and the length of time that they listen and how many days a week that they listen, and for some that is their only avenue for information. The top three things that are important to our listeners are markets and weather and local news, and to try and duplicate that in a different platform, I don't think is attainable.”
Gill encourages rural America to provide more outreach moving forward as well …
GILL … “I think as we move forward, we're going to be asking the listeners to maybe speak up to their local farm broadcasters, their local AM radio station, and also their leadership in Washington, D.C. as well, and tell them how important AM radio is to them.”
NAFB is partnering with the National Association of
Broadcasters and the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Association, who are both also advocates for keeping AM radio in all vehicles.