[GuardianCaveman]

This is from a linked article. The market doesn't come into play when it's safety infrastructure. You think if you make paying for fire and police optional everyone will pay for it? what are the consequences of not putting out the fire in one house when the neighbors do pay and the fire spreads. The market is moot when it comes to safety issues.

"AM radio plays a critical role in our public safety infrastructure. As seven former heads of FEMA have explained, AM’s resiliency combined with the long distances AM signals propagate means ‘the success of the National Public Warning System hinges on the use of AM radio.’ I agree. Americans know in times of emergency that they can turn to AM radio. I applaud Congress for its bipartisan action to ensure the continued reception of AM signals in all vehicles.”

[jalk]

So shouldn't it be mandated in peoples homes as well?

[schiffern]

In emergencies people often evacuate by car, and lacking any access to emergency announcements can result in traffic jams mis-navigation, which ties up rescue personnel.

If you choose to die at home fine, but public roads are life-critical infrastructure. Guaranteeing everyone in the ensuing 'thundering herd' at least access to a basic AM/FM radio isn't too great a cost burden.

"Why do I need this radio, I don't use it" is a lot like saying, "why do I need this seatbelt, I never crash!"