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/

Next year’s location has been announced as Riga in Latvia, from March 22nd to 24th.

Radiodays Europe is the event in the Radio, Podcast and Audio World bringing together over 1,300 visitors from 65 countries over 3 days. The event is organised into sessions including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, summits, workshops and networking events.

www.radiodayseurope.com

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.

At the opening ceremony of Radiodays Europe in Athens, AER President Stefan Möller, joined by Edita Kudláčová, Head of Radio at the EBU, set the tone for the days ahead. In his remarks, Stefan underlined the priorities for commercial radio and captured the essence of today’s challenges with a powerful phrase: “Content is king, but distribution is King Kong.”

The message was clear: while great content remains the foundation of radio, ensuring that audiences can find and access that content across all platforms is now the decisive factor. In an increasingly competitive audio landscape – where public service broadcasters expand their remit and global tech platforms dominate distribution – radio must unite to safeguard its place.

Commercial radio faces mounting pressures: declining advertising revenues, stricter national restrictions, and the rise of streaming and on‑demand services. At the same time, new technologies and changing listening habits demand constant adaptation. Yet the sector continues to evolve, integrating podcasts, embracing digital innovation, and strengthening its distinctive offer.

Looking ahead, access and findability remain critical:

“ The radio industry needs to cooperate to ensure radio is always findable, reachable and prominent for their audiences “

Whether in cars, on smartphones, or through smart speakers, radio must remain prominent and freely available. Cooperation across the industry and strong advocacy at European level are essential to ensure radio is not squeezed out by gatekeepers and continues to thrive as a trusted, accessible medium.

AER President Stefan Möller brought the spotlight firmly onto radio’s future in the car. Speaking during the “Reclaiming the Dashboard – putting radio back in control” session by Radioplayer, he underlined the essential role of radio not only as entertainment but also as a matter of safety and security.

Stefan argued that radio should be considered as indispensable in vehicles as seatbelts: “In a perfect world, wouldn’t it be nice that radio would be mandatory in the car? Like by law you need seatbelts, you need to have a radio receiver.”

He stressed that the industry must work together to ensure radio remains findable, reachable and prominent in connected environments increasingly dominated by global tech platforms. Access and distribution are as critical as content itself. Looking ahead, he painted a vision of cars widely recognised as “radios on wheels”, a future where listeners can rely on radio’s trusted presence across dashboards, smartphones, smart speakers, and beyond.

You can watch the recorded session here. 

More information about Radiodays Europe at www.radiodayseurope.com

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.

Photo by ©Hedda Axelsson

Radio has always been the soundtrack of mobility. From morning commutes to long road trips, it is the most listened‑to audio platform in vehicles, valued for its simplicity, reliability, and free accessibility. Yet today, as cars become increasingly connected, radio’s place in the dashboard is no longer guaranteed. Securing radio’s future in cars is of absolute importance.

We are proud to be part of the broader audio market –  a sector that is dynamic, innovative, and growing. Radio is the largest segment of this market, both in terms of audience and revenues. It is an incredibly exciting space to be in, with almost infinite choice for listeners and brilliant opportunities for advertisers. But this success is not automatic. It depends on ensuring that radio remains free at the point of use, easily accessible, and discoverable in the digital environment.

The risks are clear. Car manufacturers increasingly prioritise global partnerships with tech platforms, integrating streaming services into infotainment systems while sidelining radio. If left unchecked, this trend could erode media pluralism and limit consumer choice, leaving audiences dependent on gatekeepers who control distribution.

That is why AER has been fighting for radio’s guaranteed place on connected devices, smart speakers, and cars. We call on EU policymakers to mandate that all new vehicles placed on the EU market are equipped with hybrid‑capable radio receivers supporting FM, DAB+, and IP. This ensures seamless listening, uninterrupted access to trusted content, and a level playing field with online platforms. A prominently positioned “radio button” in car interfaces is not a luxury — it is a necessity for road safety, democratic access to information, and cultural diversity.

Commercial radios face collective challenges that no single country or broadcaster can tackle alone. Access, competition, and relevance are the defining issues of our time. That is why international cooperation through AER is essential. We advocate on behalf of the sector, maximising opportunities and minimising risks, and we have already achieved successes in securing radio’s prominence in EU legislation.

The future of audio is bright, but it requires vigilance. We must ensure that radio continues to provide value for audiences and advertisers, remains discoverable across all interfaces, and competes fairly with tech giants. This is not just about preserving tradition — it is about safeguarding pluralism, resilience, and free access to trusted information in the digital mobility landscape.

Radio is the heartbeat of the audio sector. Let us make sure it continues to beat strongly in the cars of tomorrow.

Don’t miss the chance to hear AER President Stefan Möller speak at Radiodays Europe Athens about the future of radio and audio. 

Radiodays Europe is the event in the Radio, Podcast and Audio World bringing together over 1,300 visitors from 65 countries over 3 days. The event is organised into sessions including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, summits, workshops and networking events.

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.

On the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of private radio broadcasting in Germany, VAUNET will host a session at Radiodays Europe Munich on the role of radio in the future of news consumption.

2024 has also been declared the “Year of News” by a joint nationwide media initiative (#UseTheNews).

In today’s digital news world, it is a major challenge for European radio broadcasters to remain relevant to a new generation of listeners.

What does radio need to do to bridge the gap between the current way of reporting news and the habits and expectations of a new, younger generation of listeners?

This question is becoming increasingly urgent in the wake of highly dynamic digitalization and fragmented audiences.

• Carsten Hoyer, Managing Director of Antenne Niedersachsen, takes a look at the urgent challenges of the coming years in adapting to the rapidly changing digital news environment.
• Vanessa Bitter, project manager of the nationwide media initiative #UseTheNews, talks about the relevance of trustworthy news and the changing demands and usage habits of the younger generation’s news consumption.
• Christian Schalt, Chief Digital Officer at RTL Radio, will give an insight into digital news distribution directly from the newsroom of one of Germany’s largest private radio groups. The session will focus on the importance of trustworthy information, news for commercial radio and how newsrooms across Europe can ensure a sustainable future for radio reporting.
•  Stefan Möller, President of the Association of European Radios (AER) and Managing Director of RadioMedia Finland, will open the panel.

More about the programme at https://radiodayseurope.com/programme/ and our suggestions here: https://www.aereurope.org/radiodays-europe-munich-what-not-to-miss/ .

ABOUT Radiodays Europe Munich:

Radiodays Europe is the event in the Radio, Podcast and Audio World bringing together over 1,300 visitors from 65 countries over 3 days. The event is organised into sessions including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, summits, workshops and networking events.

www.radiodayseurope.com

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.

Radiodays Europe is around corner with its insightful programme and line-up of brilliant speakers.

Here’s an AER selection of unmissable sessions:

Monday 18

• 9AM-10AM Opening Session Radiodays Europe Munich 2024 – Shaping the future change in Audio featuring AER President Stefan Möller

• 12.20PM-1PM The audio summit: top-level audio executives from leading international broadcasters on present challenges and opportunities for audio in this time of change.   Featuring Alexandra Daskalopoulos (EIIRA) and Vivian Mohr (Bauer Media)

• 2PM-2.40PM The Radio Future Unveiled – with Radioplayer, CARIAD & Google hosted by Radioplayer.

• 4.05PM-4.45PM Attention! How Advertising cuts through listener distraction with Radiocentre UK Mark Barber on how audio can communicate and what the story behind attention is, as a driver for advertisers.

• 5PM-5.40PM “40 years on”: Radio and its role within the future of news media consumption organised by VAUNET, on the importance of trustworthy information, how news is integral to private radio in Germany and how newsrooms across Europe can ensure a healthy future for radio news reporting. AER President Stefan Möller will give the introductory speech. More information at https://www.aereurope.org/40-years-on-celebrating-40-years-of-private-broadcasting-in-germany/

Tuesday 19

• 11.10AM-11.50AM: Content in the car, making your station look good with Radioplayer Laurence Harrison, Automotive Partnerships.

• 12.05PM-12.45PM Gen A – How to connect with kids featuring Alexandra Daskalopoulos (EIIRA).  

..and MORE!

Full programme at https://radiodayseurope.com/programme/

ABOUT Radiodays Europe Munich:

Radiodays Europe is the event in the Radio, Podcast and Audio World bringing together over 1,300 visitors from 65 countries over 3 days. The event is organised into sessions including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, summits, workshops and networking events.

www.radiodayseurope.com

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.

“What if radio was created after the internet?” asked Daniel Anstandig, CEO and Co-Founder of Futuri the company behind the creation of RadioGPT, the first 100% AI-based radio station*: “It[radio] would be on-demand, personalized, highly interactive, integrated with social, and advertisers would deliver compelling, targeted promotions to captivate audiences”.

Today, an even more interesting question would be “What if radio was created after ChatGPT?”

As a result of the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, some new realisations came to Futuri’s team culturally about what AI can mean in people’s lives as a result of ChatGPT, says Anstandig. By January 2023, ChatGPT surpassed the 100 million users (it took Netflix 10 years to accomplish that level of users’ base) which means that ChatGPT is currently the fastest growing consumer internet app and it is on a trajectory to become even more popular, there will be an ‘AI revolution’ in the next 100 years (as there were an agricultural, an industrial and a computational revolution up until now) so it is time for radio to adopt the innovations this AI technology brings.

AI brings opportunities but also threats: what if people lose their jobs? Daniel Anstandig believes that  “people won’t be replaced by AI, but by people using AI”. So how exactly would the introduction of AI into radio is and will be transforming the industry, how it will make radio better and more efficient?

It is important for the radio industry to embrace and use this AI technology for competitive advantage. According to Anstandig, they have envisaged many different uses of RadioGPT in Futuri:

• Full Local dayparts (nights, overnights, weekends): all AI-powered and all with AI DJ
• Extend and localize personalities: national or regional shows with local cut-ins or cloned voices
• Spec Spot: production and personalisation of commercials
• Dynamic local service elements: weather, news, entertainment
• Personalised stream fill.  

Learn more about RadioGPT at https://futurimedia.com/radiogpt/.

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

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.

The in-car entertainment experience is seeing unprecedented change driven by internet connectivity and new technology. In amongst the tsunami of new apps and services, Radio remains the most popular audio source in the car. How can broadcasters stay in control of the radio experience and keep radio strong? Can Radio stay prominent as an important source of news and public value? And what technologies and features will form part of Radio 2.0 in the car?

Speakers:  

Laurence Harrison, Director of Automotive Partnerships, Radioplayer

Alexandra Daskalopoulos, Founder & CEO, Frontstage SA (Greece) and member of the AER

Laurent Frisch, Head of Digital & Production / Chief Digital Officer, Radio France
Tomas Granryd, Head of Digital Partnerships, Swedish Radio

Moderated by: Matt Deegan, Creative Director, Folder Media

Photo by @Radioplayer

The industry is facing common challenges, mainly changes in digital listening and changes in in-car listening, the focus of the session ‘The future of radio in-car: The power of partnerships’ hosted by Radioplayer.

The discussion was kicked off by Laurence Harrison, Director of Automotive Partnerships with Radioplayer (backed and supported only broadcasters) and how important is the partnership with the car companies to help secure a place for radio in the car dashboard of the future.  These collaborations are so crucial to keep radio strong in-car. Radioplayer’s automotive partners are several and growing: Harrison announced a new hybrid radio partnership, Renault group – 3^rd largest car manufacturer in Europe and Radioplayer is official broadcasters’ metadata will be powering a hybrid radio experience in their car in the future. This means that Radioplayer now covers over 40 % of the European car sales.

Looking ahead and at the characteristics of the future radio in car should have:

• Simple: imperative to retain the simplicity of radio, the ability to very easily access the station a listener wants to listen to;
• Personalised: Radioplayer already offers a recommendation algorithms;
• On demand: Radioplayer will want to offer on-demand content like podcasts and catch-up shows alongside live radio;
• Seamless experience: that could be switching between platforms (Cariad currently does that) or radio broadcaster’s mobile app integrating with broadcast radio experience in the car;
• Voice has to be perfect and Radioplayer is working in it;
• Opportunities to get much deeper engagement with the stations’ brands with the technology that has been offered today.

Laurence Harrison confirms that car manufacturers welcome a single point of contact on behalf of the radio broadcasters and Radioplayer is seeing now, more than a couple of years ago, more interest in hybrid radio which should be the base level experience for all broadcasts and Radioplayer enables a great hybrid experience through their Radioplayer worldwide API. According to Harrison, because of the the APY system offered by Radioplayer and the advent of connected cars, there is an increased focus on connectivity and apps among car companies. However, it is important to continue talking about hybrid and broadcast radio as the most used source of audio in the car, which Radioplayer has done research on together with WorldDAB.

Alexandra Daskalopoulos, Founder & CEO of Frontstage SA (Greece) and AER Executive member confirms that “radio in the car is under attack: radio has always been centerstage in the car, literally right in the middle of the dashboard. Now that position is starting to change.

One of the biggest threats industry-wise was when the iPhone just removed the FM receiver from its features, that shows how big tech can just obliterate radio from distribution channels overnight. At first, we fought back as radio stations by creating our own apps, or joining aggregator apps we didn’t control or got revenues form or didn’t control the branding. And if that happened with phones then it can easily happen with cars.

We have seen how most new cars have removed AM from their options and Tesla cars don’t have radio installed by default, you have to choose the radio upgrade package. This all demonstrates the power of tech to control distribution of our own medium. In order to defend radio’s place at the table, scale is key.

There is strength in working together: not just commercial radio stations among themselves, but also commercial radio stations with public service radios and with platforms like Radioplayer that are common across different countries and associations like the AER who helps and facilitates this collaboration.

Greece was the most recent country to join Radioplayer. And it wasn’t easy getting here. In Greece the debate was about creating our own aggregator platform versus joining Radioplayer. And we chose Radioplayer because of a) the platform which is appealing, easy to use and develops fast along with technology advances but b) most importantly because of the lobbying and collaboration that it offers. It’s different if each radio group tries and lobbies with car manufacturers by themselves and much more efficient and effective when we speak with one voice, when the platform we all support in many countries lobbies to have the Radioplayer app preinstalled in all new cars, recognised by smart speakers, etc, as part of its job.

In Greece, the shareholders of the companies that brought Radioplayer in, were commercial radios and that is because commercial radio in Greece is much bigger than the public service, which is not the case in many other countries. We started off because we have scaled among commercial radio stations and now we are going to have the public service radio joining as well.

The two main obstacles we saw before joining were: why should I invest? Will I make more money? And the answer was not about the money but on how to invest in your online streams, in your transmitter equipment for FM, it is just another source of distribution you need to invest in, and the most important one. It may generate some revenue down the line but it is not about that – it is about being everywhere, and especially in cars and that is why it is important to collaborate.

The second concern everyone had was: if I put my radio station next to other radio stations of the same genre and they are all grouped together, then there will be even more competition. And the answer was that if you have a listener that goes to another radio station, you would still have a radio listener, but if that listener goes to Spotify instead you have lost that radio listener to another technology.

In Greece we do not have national radio stations, so with connected cars we will be able to transmit all over the country, which is a great benefit. Given how much radio listening happens in cars in most markets, which for Greece the numbers are 55% of daily listening occurs in cars and that number is 70% in morning show and 72% in the drive time shows, protecting and developing that in-car listening is even more important.

According to research (Edison) today shows that more than 80% of people planning to buy a car are less likely to do so without a radio in it and that 89% of car buyers rank radio as the top feature, more so than online music services, Apple’s Carplay or Android Auto. So, the first priority for the industry – commercial and public service – is to protect and grow radio – its reach and market share as a medium. We will do that better if we work together with projects such as RadioPlayer, so we continue to have our seat at the table.”

More information about Radiodays Europe at www.radiodayseurope.com

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.

Radiodays Europe 2024 will take place at the ICM Munich from March 17 to 19, 2024.

Local support for hosting the 2024 event is provided by Bayerischer Rundfunk, Antenne Bayern Group, Verband Bayerischer Lokalrundfunk (VBL), Vereinigung Bayerischer Rundfunkanbieter (VBRA) as well as the City of Munich and the Free State of Bavaria. The local partners are coordinated by XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria.

For more information at www.radiodayseurope.com

AER is an official partner of Radiodays Europe.