While virtual assistants are already listed as core platform services under the DMA, none have been designated so far, creating a regulatory gap. With the rapid integration of AI, these virtual assistants are increasingly becoming key entry points to media content across smartphones, smart speakers and in-car infotainment systems.

For radio, this development is particularly critical. As audiences access radio and audio through voice commands, virtual assistants can effectively control which content is found, prioritised or excluded altogether. Without DMA obligations, this risks limiting fair access, reducing discoverability and undermining media pluralism.

Broadcasters therefore urge the Commission to act swiftly: designate major virtual assistant providers as gatekeepers, launch a market investigation if thresholds are not met, and clarify the definition of business users to reflect real market dependencies.

With AI-driven interfaces reshaping how audiences access content, ensuring fair and open access through virtual assistants is becoming an urgent priority for the future of radio in Europe.

Signatories (in alphabetical order)

1. Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT)
2. Association of European Radios (AER)
3. Asociace komerčních televizí (AKTV)
4. Slovak Television Broadcasters’ Association (ATVS)
5. Asociația Română de Comunicații Audiovizuale (ARCA)
6. Confindustria Radio Televisioni (CRTV)
7. European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
8. European association of television and radio sales houses (egta)
9. Televisión Comercial en Abierto (UTECA)
10. Verband Privater Medien (VAUNET)
11. Verband Österreichischer Privatsender (VOP)

Read the joint letter here. 

For more information, please contact the AER office in Brussels at aer(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org.

Every day, millions of Europeans press the same button: radio.

It informs, connects and reassures us, especially in the car. And yet, this everyday certainty is now at risk.

As Brussels prepares the Digital Networks Act (DNA), a defining law for Europe’s digital future, one simple question must be answered:

will radio still be there when people turn on their cars?

It must be!

Radio is not optional

Radio is Europe’s most trusted medium. It guarantees free, universal access to news, culture and local voices. It supports media pluralism and democratic resilience.

And in times of crisis, it becomes indispensable.

When networks fail and platforms overload, radio keeps working. It delivers life-saving information when it matters most.

Pushing radio out of the car would not be an innovation, it would be a step backwards for safety, trust and democracy.

The dashboard is the new gatekeeper

Cars are becoming digital platforms, controlled by interfaces, algorithms and global tech players.

In this new reality, radio can no longer be taken for granted.

Without clear rules, it risks being buried, sidelined or switched off entirely — replaced by services that priorities profit over public value.

This is not just about competition. It is about whether citizens can still easily access trusted information.

A moment of decision for Europe

The Digital Networks Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get this right.

The European Commission has made a start by recognizing radio standards like DAB. But recognition alone is not enough.

The final law must guarantee three simple things:

• radio is available in all cars,
• it is easy to find and use,
• fair treatment alongside global platforms.

Radio must also be recognized for what it is: critical infrastructure for public safety and societal cohesion.

A simple fix with big impact

This is not a complex or costly task.

Keeping radio prominent in cars is a straightforward safeguard with huge public value: for safety, for democracy and for media diversity.

This is not about nostalgia. It is about the future.

Europe is building its digital ecosystem. It must not sideline one of its most trusted and resilient services in the process.

Because for millions of people, radio is not an app.

It is a lifeline.

And it should remain exactly where they expect it — one button away.

More on the big topics shaping radio in Europe by AER President Stefan Möller:
https://radiodayseurope.com/news/the-big-topics-in-commercial-radio-whats-happening-in-europe-right-now/

More information about Radiodays Europe : https://radiodayseurope.com/

Stefan Möller, AER President and CEO of RadioMedia Finland, represents the commercial radio sector at the opening ceremony alongside Edita Kudláčová, Head of Radio at the EBU, reflecting the strong and balanced voice of Europe’s radio ecosystem.

 “Radio remains a lifeline for citizens – especially in cars, which are still the primary place of listening. Safeguarding radio’s access and findability in connected vehicles is therefore the real frontline for our sector. In an ecosystem increasingly shaped by big tech gatekeepers, coordinated EU action is essential to ensure European radio remains universally accessible, trusted and resilient.

In this context, Radiodays Europe plays a crucial role. By bringing together the sector’s professionals from across the globe, the conference provides a unique platform to exchange ideas, drive innovation and ensure radio remains competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving digital environment” says Stefan Möller.

Radiodays Europe continues to serve as the global hub for innovation, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the audio industry, bringing together more than 1,500 professionals from over 65 countries each year.

More information about Radiodays Europe, its great programme and stellar line-up of speakers, please visit https://radiodayseurope.com/

The Association of European Radios (AER) warmly celebrates UNESCO’s World Radio Day 2026, observed every year on 13 February to honour the enduring importance of radio and its contribution to society worldwide. This year’s theme “Radio and AI: Innovation that empowers. Ethics that inspire. Trust that endures.” underscores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a tool to support radio’s evolution, while reaffirming that trust, credibility and the human voice remain at the heart of the medium. World Radio Day is an opportunity to recognise how radio continues to inform citizens, strengthen communities and support democratic life. Every day, radio delivers trusted news, cultural programming and companionship to millions. In times of crisis and emergency, it remains a vital lifeline, resilient, accessible and free at the point of use. As technology evolves, radio evolves with it, embracing innovation responsibly while safeguarding its core values: trust, accessibility and public service.

On the occasion of World Radio Day 2026, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola shared a powerful message emphasising the importance of maintaining radio’s accessibility and presence in all listening environments – particularly in connected cars and on digital platforms – and safeguarding universal access to reliable information in an era of rapid technological change.

EP President Metsola – World Radio Day – AER

“I start my day with the radio. Most mornings it is the first voice I hear before the emails, before the headlines, before everything speeds up. And I know I’m not the only one.

Radio is part of everyday life for millions of people across Europe, at home, in the car and at work. It is familiar, accessible and present at the moments that shape our day.

At a time when it is harder and harder to know which sources we can trust, people know that they can always turn to radio for clear and reliable information. In fact, a recent study shows radio is Europe’s most trusted medium.

So, on World Radio Day, that trust is worth recognising and celebrating.

As digital technologies and AI evolve, they bring new opportunities for radio — from how content is created to how it reaches people. Innovation has always been part of radio, but people still come back for the human voice, the relationship with presenters and that sense of connection and belonging.

For that to continue, radio needs to remain easy to find and easy to listen to on smart devices, in connected cars and across the platforms that people use every day.

That is why the Digital Networks Act is so important for the future of radio in Europe.

Radio is something we should all care about and look after – not out of nostalgia, but because it plays a real role in people’s lives.

If we want the next generation to grow up with the same sense of trust and connection, we need to make sure radio continues to have its place.

Because, as we know, video did not kill the radio star. Thank you.”

AER warmly thanks President Metsola for her clear support and recognition of radio’s democratic value. Her message reflects the shared commitment to ensuring that radio remains universally accessible, easy to find and free to use – today and for future generations.

As technology and AI continue to transform the media landscape, AER reaffirms its commitment to protecting radio’s unique role in strengthening democratic life, media pluralism and crisis preparedness across Europe.

Press release (.pdf)

Contact: francesca.fabbri(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org

For Europe’s radio sector, the DNA is a critically important file. As cars become increasingly connected and software-driven, radio’s presence on the dashboard can no longer be taken for granted. Ensuring that radio remains universally accessible, easy to find and free at the point of use in vehicles is essential for citizens, for democratic life and for crisis preparedness.

AER welcomes the preservation of the interoperability standard for in-car radios in the proposal.

Strengthening the existing interoperability framework for radio in cars is however essential. The Digital Networks Act offers a timely opportunity to secure radio’s future presence in cars. In particular, the final legislation should ensure that universal access to radio is safeguarded by mandating the inclusion of hybrid-capable radio receivers in all vehicle categories sold in the EU. Ensuring that all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they use, have access to radio services via these technologies is crucial for emergency communication and road safety, as well as for guaranteeing free access to information, safeguarding media pluralism and social cohesion.

“The Digital Networks Act confirms what matters in a crisis: reliable communication,” said AER President Stefan Möller. “Keeping radio in connected cars is a simple, low-cost step that protects trusted information, preparedness and media pluralism across Europe.”

In the run-up to the publication of the DNA, a broad, cross-party group of Members of the European Parliament called on the Commission to safeguard the future of radio in cars, underlining strong political support for radio as a trusted public-interest medium and essential safety channel.

AER also welcomes the fact that the DNA preserves key principles such as media pluralism and the national management of spectrum frequencies. At the same time, AER will closely examine the proposed “voluntary conciliation” mechanism, which risks becoming an indirect way of introducing network fees and could distort competition and reduce choice for listeners.

AER looks forward to working closely with the EU institutions and legislators in the coming months to strengthen the text and ensure the final legislation fully secures radio’s future in connected cars and digital environments.

Press release (.pdf)

Read more:

Safeguarding the future of radio in connected cars: AER position on the European Electronic Communication Code revision and proposal for Digital Networks Act (.pdf)

AER’s Response to the Call for evidence to the Digital Networks Act (.pdf)

MEPs call for strong safeguards for radio in connected cars under the Digital Networks Act (.pdf)

Contact: francesca.fabbri(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org

The letter urges the Commission to ensure that all new cars include radio receivers, that radio services remain easy to find on in-car interfaces, and that a level playing field is preserved between radio and global audio platforms.

The initiative was launched by MEP Sunčana Glavak following the AER roundtable “Tune in to Trust: Radio’s Future in the Digital World” she hosted on November 4 2025 at the European Parliament. As vehicles become increasingly software-driven platforms, the signatories warn that radio’s presence on the dashboard can no longer be taken for granted and that, without clear rules, platforms and car manufacturers risk becoming gatekeepers to audio content.

The Commission is expected to publish its proposal for the DNA on 20 January 2026.

Read the letter here.

Read “Safeguarding the future of radio in connected cars: AER position on the European Electronic Communication Code revision and proposal for Digital Networks Act” here.

For more information, please contact aer(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org.

For more information, please contact aer(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org.

EU policymakers and commercial radio leaders gather at the European Parliament to discuss radio’s future in the digital age.

On 4 November 2025, the Association of European Radios (AER) hosted a high-level roundtable at the European Parliament titled “Tune in to Trust: Radio’s Future in the Digital World.”

The event convened Members of the European Parliament, representatives from the European Commission and commercial radio leaders to explore how to safeguard radio’s accessibility, findability, and sustainability in an increasingly digital media landscape.

Radio remains Europe’s most trusted medium – delivering verified information, fostering local engagement, and providing critical updates during emergencies. Yet the sector faces mounting challenges: declining advertising revenues, the dominance of global digital platforms, and increasing regulatory burdens.

Key voices from the roundtable:

Hosting MEP Sunčana Glavak (EPP, HR) framed the opening remarks with a strong statement on radio’s role:

“Radio is not nostalgia -it’s civic infrastructure. In times of crisis, it remains the last reliable link between institutions and citizens. As technology evolves, we must protect trusted media -by keeping radio in the car, funding local journalism, and ensuring fair platform rules – so future generations grow up with trusted voices, not just louder ones”.

Stefan Möller (RadioMedia, Finland) President of AER, opened the discussion with AER’s vision for resilient radio: “To safeguard the future of radio, Europe must establish a forward-looking regulatory framework—one that guarantees radio remains accessible, discoverable, and free across all platforms, devices, and technologies.”

Anna Herold, Head of Unit, Audiovisual and Media Policy at the European Commission, outlined the EU’s legislative outlook, noting that while radio is among the media most affected by digital transformation, its role in crisis communication and democratic resilience remains irreplaceable. Safeguarding radio’s accessibility, sustainability, and public value requires robust media laws – such as the European Media Freedom Act – and policy initiatives like the Media Resilience Programme, including the European Democracy Shield and future funding mechanisms.

Daniela Beaujean (VAUNET, Germany), AER Vice-President added: “We need ‘one-click-to-radio’ access on every digital surface. The EMFA is a step forward to protect radio from digital exclusion by dominant gatekeeper platforms – but without other clear rules and strong enforcement, radio risks being sidelined.”

Corinna Drumm (VOEP, Austria) AER Vice-President focused on radio on the move, highlighting the role of the European Electronic Communications Code and the upcoming Digital Networks Act in ensuring fair access to in-car listening environments: “Radio must remain free to air, easy to access, and simple to use in cars – not just for convenience, but for safety. Drivers should be able to tune in without distraction. And when other networks fail during crises or blackouts, broadcast radio remains a lifeline – keeping people informed and connected.”

MEP Adina Vălean (EPP, RO) emphasised the importance of balance in digital policymaking:
“Radio is not a relic-it’s a lifeline. It remains one of the most trusted and resilient forms of communication, delivering public value across analogue and digital platforms. Technological neutrality must be at the heart of our policymaking, ensuring all broadcasters – large and small -can thrive in connected environments. The goal is clear: protect media plurality, support local content, and apply existing legislation effectively to safeguard Europe’s diverse media landscape.”

MEP Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D, SP), referencing recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal, reinforced radio’s role in emergency preparedness: “In a media environment more and more shaped by algorithms that fuel polarisation, disinformation, and fake news, radio has stood as the most trusted medium among people. That’s why radio must remain the place that people turn to when they need reliable, immediate information.”

Luka Duric (HRF, Croatia), AER Vice-President, warned of virtual assistants having become powerful gatekeepers to the digital audio world. He stressed that their designation under the Digital Markets Act is essential to ensure fair access, media diversity, and a trusted digital space where both technology and media can thrive. “When citizens say ‘Play the news’, they should hear Europe’s voice and not a global algorithm’s choice”, he concluded.

MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew, IE) stressed the need for effective enforcement and sustained investment: “Local radio is the heartbeat of our communities – a trusted voice that informs, connects, and defends against disinformation. To protect this cornerstone of public trust, we must invest in its future and ensure it remains accessible, inclusive, and resilient.”

Notable participants and key contributors to the roundtable included MEP Helder Sousa Silva, MEP Manuela Ripa, MEP Barry Cowen, MEP Michael McNamara, as well as Boriša Falatar, Cabinet member of European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, highlighting the high-level political engagement and strategic relevance of the discussion.   

A call to action

The roundtable concluded with a clear message to EU policymakers: ensure that radio remains an easily accessible, findable, and competitive medium in the digital ecosystem -one that continues to serve democracy, diversity, and public trust.

Photos from the roundtable are available here. @Javier Bernal Revert.

Highlights of the roundtable discussion here.

About AER: AER – the Association of European Radios, is the voice of commercial radios in Brussels.

For more information, please contact: francesca.fabbri(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org

For more information, please contact aer(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org.

For more information, please contact aer(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aereurope.org.