Sun Rises on Proposals for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

For years, NYSBA has opposed legislation at both the federal and state levels proposing to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.  Making such a change between states just for New York raised obvious problems with commuting and radio “drive times.’  It would raise havoc with radio and TV schedules. 

However, even a uniform federal change would have a negative impact on radio.  A permanent daylight saving time would delay sunrise by one hour.  During the winter, this means sunrise may not occur until 7:20 AM.  As a result, many AM stations, especially AM daytime stations, would remain at lower power levels or “off the air” during the highly valuable morning drive time.  It may be difficult to make up for this loss by extending sunset for an hour at the end of the day.

It appears that a permanent, nationwide daylight-saving time proposal is gaining support in Washington.  The key issues are the problems associated with changing the clocks in the spring and fall.  A consensus is building to “lock the clock.”  The Senate Commerce Committee held a key hearing on April 10th.  It also appears President Trump is getting behind the effort.  We will keep you posted on this important issue for AM stations.

You can see the Senate Commerce Committee hearing here.

You can find an excellent article in Politico highlighting the issue here.