Amazingly, there are people in more liberal arms of politics who don't see a problem with eliminating AM radio and converting it over to digital signal services.
Let me guess, it's a free speech thing and free speech is bad. Limiting free speech might be the ultimate desire. I wonder if John Kerry or Hillary Clinton might be able to confirm that for us.
I have AM/FM handheld radios that work with AA batteries, which are easier to find than 9V batteries, in some cases.
I have an Eton - Scorpion II hand crank/solar screen AM/FM/NWS radio.
I have a handheld ham radio transceiver. I have no license, but would transmit in an Emergency.
I have a Harbor Freight - Viking Compact Power Pack / Car Battery Jumper that I can use to charge a device.