According to Markey, AM radio operates at lower frequencies and longer wavelengths, enabling it to pass through solid objects and travel further than other radio waves — a feature not shared by FM broadcasts. As a result, FEMA’s National Public Warning System — through which FEMA delivers critical safety alerts to the public — operates through broadcast AM radio stations.
“Ford said there were other technologies available, such as internet streaming, HD radio delivered on FM bands, or some apps that provide AM content, that will make up for the absence of AM radio in its vehicles.”
The problem here is car manufacturers (and most listeners) are thinking of the perfect urban world. The reality is we still have regular disasters, and the fact is that cellphone towers, the Internet, etc all only last about 4 to 6 hours on battery backup.
FM does work well (along with its Traffic Announcement alerts and RDS data display) but it is shorter range. But even FM for emergencies and disasters is at risk by listeners themselves, as many today only have a radio in their vehicle. Even broadcast TVs are often no longer found inside homes, as everything has moved to streaming over the Internet.
Take South Africa with its already up to 4 hour power outage load shedding. There is not enough time typically for batteries to recharge, so at extended Stage 6 and above load shedding, the Internet as well as some cellular coverage gets lost for many hours. This has already even affected emergency services own radio communications via repeaters.
The final fallback, is to broadcast AM and FM radio stations (yes and Amateur Radio, but that is not receivable by all citizens). But as a citizen, you can still ensure that you have at least one radio receiver kept at home. An example is the photo with this post, which costs around $17 (ZAR330) and has solar charging for its rechargeable batteries.
The more we digitise and get smarter, the more dependent we are on vulnerable electrical systems… Plan for the future, keep Retro.
See https://www.theverge.com/23633932/am-radio-discontinue-ford-tesla-markey-fema-fcc