Alabama Will Mandate Gulf of America Terminology
A new state law requires public entities to replace Gulf of Mexico with Gulf of America starting October 1.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Law
Live Poll
Should state governments dictate the specific terminology used by public news organizations in your area?
Beginning October 1, 2026, Alabama law will mandate that all state and local government entities utilize the term Gulf of America in place of Gulf of Mexico. The legislation applies to all state-funded organizations, including public radio station WBHM.
Why it matters
The law aims to standardize geographic terminology across all state-funded communications. Because public media employees are classified as state workers, they must adopt the new phrasing or risk potential disciplinary action.
The new law applies to all state and local entities across Alabama. It mandates the exclusive use of Gulf of America in official documentation, effective October 1, 2026.
The players
Kay Ivey
Kay Ivey is the Governor of Alabama who signed the legislation into law.
WBHM
WBHM is a public radio station in Birmingham licensed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Will Dahlberg
Will Dahlberg is the outgoing executive director of the public radio station WBHM.
Stephen Murray
Stephen Murray is incoming executive director of business operations at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The details
WBHM station leadership has expressed concerns regarding the impact of the legislative mandate on journalistic independence. Staff members, who are employed through the University of Alabama at Birmingham, are expected to implement the terminology change in broadcasts.
Timeline
The law requiring the use of Gulf of America takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Will Dahlberg will step down as WBHM executive director in October 2026.
Political Context
The mandate reflects a broader movement to assert state authority over the official communications of government-funded entities. Opponents argue that such legislation risks compromising the editorial independence of institutions like public radio stations.
The law mandates that all public entities must adopt the new terminology in official communications starting in October. Residents may notice the shift in language within reports and materials produced by state-funded institutions.
The takeaway
Public employees and state-funded organizations must prepare for the linguistic shift required by the new state law. Journalists and administrative staff at these institutions will need to update their official style guidelines before the October deadline.
Further reading
For more information on the legislative process, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
Live Poll
Should state governments dictate the specific terminology used by public news organizations in your area?
