Radio broadcast (over-the-air television and radio) has been managed by the FCC at the federal level for a long time, because these signals often cross state borders.

If they'd gotten this system in place before 2008, the conspiracy theory threads like this would have been on left leaning forums instead of right leaning forums such as this.

If you're worried about the government taking away your ability to communicate, I suggest strongly you go for a HAM radio license and start meeting up with your neighbors about setting up an adhoc network in your area in case of emergency.

H.