[galleywest200]

This is all well and good, but my state (Washington) actively uses specific AM stations for traffic and weather alerts. You will see signs on the freeways saying "tune to 750AM for emergency weather alerts now" (or whatever the frequency is).

[poulsbohemian]

Also Washington and I can tell you there are a whole lot of people here in the hinterlands of the east who are regular AM listeners for weather, the sports ball games, and various other things. I know several radio station owners in the area and have to wonder if this will be the final nail in the coffin for them.