WorldDAB and Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE) are calling on EU policymakers to use the Digital Networks Act (DNA). The initiative aims to ensure that broadcast radio remains available in new vehicles across Europe, as WorldDAB has claimed in a statement.

As the DNA progresses through the European legislative process, the two organisations are urging policymakers to strengthen the provisions inherited from the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC).

While the current rules have been largely effective in ensuring digital terrestrial radio capability in new vehicles, recent market developments indicate that the framework needs to be strengthened. WorldDAB and BNE believe the Act provides an important opportunity to future-proof this by safeguarding the continued presence of broadcast radio receivers in all new vehicles placed on the EU market.

Broadcast radio is designed to provide secure, reliable and free-to-air access to information and entertainment without dependence on mobile connectivity, subscriptions or digital gatekeepers. Its one-to-many infrastructure also gives broadcasting a critical role in emergencies, when mobile and IP networks may be congested or unavailable.

Broadcast radio and the car

The policy case is supported by consumer behaviour. International research presented by WorldDAB in June, based on 8,000 recent car buyers across Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, found that 83% listen to radio in the car and 50% use it more than any other audio source, compared with 20% who primarily use streaming services. Some 62% regard radio as a “must-have” vehicle feature and 85% say they would miss it if it were unavailable.

The research also underlines radio’s role in emergencies: 83% of respondents said radio is important in an emergency or disaster, while 52% said it would be their first source of information while driving in such circumstances.

WorldDAB and BNE are therefore calling for the DNA to provide a clear and future-proof framework that safeguards the continued presence of terrestrial broadcast radio in new vehicles sold in the EU. Connected and IP-based services offer important new opportunities for broadcasters and listeners but should complement universal broadcast access rather than replace it.

Broadcast radio’s moment

The two organisations will explore these issues further at IBC2026 in Amsterdam in their joint conference session “Broadcast radio’s moment: resilient, relevant, irreplaceable”, on Sunday 13 September, 14:30–16:00 in Room E102, followed by networking and refreshments co-hosted by WorldDAB and BNE.

The programme brings together senior figures from across European broadcasting to examine the Digital Networks Act, resilience and emergency alerting, public policy and the continuing evolution of digital terrestrial radio.