As a public policy, it should be encouraged as many people can't afford data plans. Basically their smartphone is their computer, and they go from hotspot to hotspot for data. I also agree with the public safety aspect as well, but either case requires consumer awareness and interest.
My Sony Xperia tablet has an FM tuner, but I had no idea it was there until I noticed the app. It works well with a wired headset. It was handy in Cuba (though everything was in Spanish) and a few other places where Internet wasn't available/practical to use. I don't know that it would affect my next purchase, but it does affect my perception of how user-hostile the manufacturer is.
It should be "encouraged"? What does this mean? There are phones that support FM radio, if it's important to you get one. Don't foist the costs of this "feature" on those who don't want it.
It's pretty clear Apple doesn't support radio because it's a feature almost no one wants, and won't necessarily work as well as customers want. You need an antenna, which on most phones uses the headphones, but it's unclear if lightning phones can provide the same support. Spending money and time trying to resolve any issues would just be a waste.
My Sony Xperia tablet has an FM tuner, but I had no idea it was there until I noticed the app. It works well with a wired headset. It was handy in Cuba (though everything was in Spanish) and a few other places where Internet wasn't available/practical to use. I don't know that it would affect my next purchase, but it does affect my perception of how user-hostile the manufacturer is.