French broadcasters push mandatory FM and DAB+ radios in all new cars
Public, private and community radio groups in France and Europe have asked authorities to make FM and DAB+ receivers compulsory in every new vehicle, citing manufacturers that now favor streaming services.
Radio France, the Alliance de la radio - which includes private stations like RTL and Europe 1 - and the community-radio network Les Locales have submitted a joint appeal to French and European authorities demanding that every new car be equipped with FM and DAB+ receivers. They note that several manufacturers, particularly from the United States and China, are increasingly omitting terrestrial radio in favor of paid streaming options.
The broadcasters reference ongoing EU discussions on digital-radio standards and a French Senate proposal that embeds the same requirement in national law, urging the government to support it. With about one-third of radio consumption taking place while driving, they stress the importance of free, direct access to broadcast radio for both audience reach and civil-security reasons, recalling how terrestrial radio remained functional during the massive power outage in Spain in April 2025. The appeal highlights the sector’s declining audience and the risk of a streaming monopoly limiting public access to information.
Why it matters
Ensuring free radio in cars protects public access to information and safety amid growing reliance on streaming services.
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