By Stefan Möller, President of the AER
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.