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/

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

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.

Members

AERC

Confindustria Radio Televisioni

Danske Medier

Eesti Ringhäälingute Liit (Estonian Broadcasting Association)

HRVATSKI RADIJSKI FORUM

IBI

RadioMedia

Radiocentre

Bauer Media Audio

SIRTI

VAUNET

VOEP

EIIRA

Associate Members

RADIOPLAYER Worldwide

RRR

VSP

Radio Holding Fortuna (Georgia)

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.

The event was kicked-off by the Director General of the HRF and Vice-President AER Luka Đurić, followed by the keynote speech AER President Stefan Möller, both stressing how radio has been and still is an irreplaceable, quick and emotion-charged medium that has been the most trusted for years, with a renewed upsurge in the numbers of listeners and users.

MEP Sunčana Glavak, speaking on behalf of the Croatian Parliament, pointed out the continuing importance of radio, evident also from the first Media Industry Outlook recently published by the European Commission.

Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, then addressed the audience via video message, reiterating her support to the commercial radio industry and the work AER and HRF do in helping to ensuring a fair and sustainable economic framework for radio to thrive in.

Closing the conference, a panel discussion on common global opportunities and challenges for the commercial radios – ranging from podcasts and young audiences to generative AI, the future role of radio and audio in the creative industry, and why commercial radios need the help from regulators to ensure the right legislative framework for a future prosperous radio and audio sector.

[Panelists :  Silvija Londero Šimleša, President of the Croatian Radio Forum and of the HUP Commercial Radio Stations Coordination (Croatia), Marianne Bugge Zederkof, Deputy Managing Director of Danske Medier, the Association of Danish Media, and AER Secretary General, Corinna Drumm, Managing Director of the Austrian Association of Commercial Broadcasters (VÖP) and AER Vice-President, and Frank Giersberg, Managing Director at the Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Germany (VAUNET).]

MEP Sunčana Glavak – Photo by @Mario Poje

Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica – Photo by @Mario Poje

AER President Stefan Möller – Photo by @Mario Poje

Panel discussion: Silvija Londero Šimleša (HRF), Marianne Bugge Zederkof (Danske Medier), Corinna Drumm (VÖP), Frank Giersberg (VAUNET) – Photo by @Mario Poje

About the HRF

The Croatian Radio Forum Association brings together top radio experts in Croatia and most popular radio stations reaching two million listeners in a country with a population of four million. It was established for the purpose of promoting, developing and advancing both the radio market and the media market and improving radio media services on the territory of through systematic radio education. More at hrf.hr.

About the AER

The Association of European Radios (AER) is the Europe-wide trade body for commercial radio, representing the interests of companies operating over 5,000 commercial radio stations to the EU Institutions. AER promotes the development of commercially funded radio broadcasting in Europe, by ensuring a fair and sustainable economic framework for radio so it can continue to thrive.

More information about AER at http://www.aereurope.org  and @AEReurope.