WorldDAB and Broadcast Networks Europe call for broadcast radio to be guaranteed in new vehicles under the Digital Networks Act

Amsterdam, 7 September 2026

Broadcast industry organisations say new EU legislation should safeguard universal, resilient and free-to-air access to radio in the car

WorldDAB and Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE) are calling on EU policymakers to use the Digital Networks Act (DNA) to ensure that broadcast radio remains available in new vehicles across Europe.

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 provides secure, reliable and free-to-air access to trusted 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. These qualities make terrestrial broadcasting an important component of Europe’s wider resilience and communications infrastructure.

Broadcast radio and the car “an inseparable duo”

The policy case is strongly 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: resilient, relevant, irreplaceable

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.

Notes to editors

• WorldDAB’s conference session at IBC2026: Sunday 13 September, 14:30–16:00 in Room E102
• Speakers include WorldDAB President, Jacqueline Bierhorst; Vincent Sneed, Senior EU Policy Advisor, EBU; and David Fernández Quijada, Co-Founder, Research Director, South 180. The full programme is available here: https://www.worlddab.org/get-involved/events/detail/737/ibc-2026#programme
• The conference session is supported by Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE), which represents Europe’s terrestrial network operators in Europe and internationally: https://broadcast-networks.eu/
• WorldDAB’s Car Buyer’s Research “Radio and the car: an inseparable duo” screened a nationally representative sample aged 18+: 8,000 online interviews across Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK.
• The full report is available at: https://www.worlddab.org/automotive/car-buyers-research
• WorldDAB conference speakers are available for interview, please contact WorldDAB
• WorldDAB Summit 2026 will be held at Meliá Vienna, Austria on 19 November 2026: https://www.worlddab.org/get-involved/events/detail/789/worlddab-summit-2026
• Journalists are welcome to attend – for further information, contact WorldDAB as below.

About WorldDAB

WorldDAB is the global industry association responsible for defining and promoting DAB+ digital radio. By bringing together radio industry professionals, WorldDAB provides knowledge and expertise that helps countries successfully adopt and implement broadcast digital radio.

Our 1600+ experts from 126 members from 43 countries across the globe include public and commercial broadcasters, regulators, network providers and manufacturers of receivers, chips, professional equipment, and automobiles.

About BNE

Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE) represents terrestrial broadcast network operators in Europe and internationally. Its members manage and maintain infrastructure and provide network design, multiplexing, distribution, transmission and carriage services that enable television, radio and other over-the-air services to reach their audiences.