Innovative technology is required, not outdated broadcast modes of communication.
I should be able to hit one of three of four buttons:
1. Big red button - broadcast to anybody nearby and ATC - Mayday or PAN.
2. Send message to ATC for urgent actions (weather issues etc.)
3. Send message to ATC for routine actions (reporting points - shouldn't really be needed with technology, routine flight plan aments amendments, etc.)
4. Local area broadcast - transit or circuit operations
There are no frequencies to recall.
Plus a rewind algorithm so you can repeat a message.
Messages are store-and-forward and contextual. For example, if you hear a message the emergency frequency and respond, it's designated as a "reply". You won't hear any other aircraft's calls irrelevant to you.
A nice display (maybe HUD?) shows you who is talking to you and distance.
Every aircraft is a "repeater" in addition to the existing radio towers dotted around. MIMO antennas provide this capability. Never miss a (relevant) radio call again.
Why can't we do it? Why do we rely on 1940s radio technology?