Broadcasters urge EU to mandate FM and DAB+ radio in new vehicles

Broadcasters, industry associations, and various governments are forming a united front to demand that FM and DAB+ radio remain standard features in all new vehicles. The movement seeks to ensure that radio access is free, highly visible, and provided without intermediaries, such as streaming platforms.

This push coincides with the negotiation of the Digital Networks Act (DNA), a proposed European Commission regulation intended to replace the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). While the current EECC requires digital terrestrial radio receivers in new cars, it does not strictly mandate their installation, a loophole some manufacturers are already using to reduce costs by relying on connected streaming services.

In France, a broad coalition including Radio France, the Alliance de la Radio, and Les Locales has appealed to the government for three specific protections: the inclusion of FM and DAB+ receivers in all new passenger and commercial vehicles, the presence of a dedicated physical button or prominent digital shortcut, and legislative support for radio modernization. Supporters emphasize that radio is a critical tool for public resilience during emergencies and blackouts, arguing that access to information should not depend on commercial agreements between automakers and streaming providers.