" However, it seems to me if you go around in airports and restaurants and elevators zapping TVs and radios willy nilly, fixated only on one's own comfort, you are encroaching on other people's space and comfort level."

I disagree. I have never seen anybody in an airport watching the televisions. No doubt sometime, somewhere, somebody watches. If that person really needs media for comfort, then s/he should get a little radio or whatever and take care of the matter at her own expense.

In addition, the noise level is most airports is too high already. Noise is proved to raise blood pressure and stress the body.