French radio stations from public, private and community broadcasters are urging the European Union to require FM and DAB+ receivers in every new car sold in Europe. Carmakers are dropping radios from some cheaper models, and broadcasters warn that without a legal requirement, free and anonymous radio access could fade as streaming takes over.
In an official statement, Radio France, Alliance de la Radio and Les Locales said this is the first time in recent years that all major French radio broadcasters, including public, private and associative stations, have joined forces to lobby for mandatory car radios. They say streaming platforms require data and subscriptions, as well as personal details.
The clock is ticking. The EU is working on a new Digital Networks Act that will combine several telecom rules into one. French broadcasters want it to close a loophole: if a car has a radio, it must support DAB+, but nothing requires carmakers to include a radio in the first place. That is already happening. Dacia removed the radio from its Spring Impressive, and Citroën did the same with some C3 models. Tesla has dropped radios in the US. Radios are now an extra, not a standard feature.
Carmakers can cut parts from base models to save money and speed production, while boosting profits. Infotainment systems now focus on streaming and connectivity, leaving radio to higher trims or removing it altogether. Many buyers may not notice until they lead off. Then they are left with their phones and mobile data for music or news, if they have coverage.
French radio groups say the issue goes beyond music and talk shows. Radio remains one of the most reliable ways to reach millions, especially in emergencies. When Spain lost power last year or wildfires hit this summer, radio kept people informed. Streaming cannot do that: radio needs neither mobile networks nor the power grid, and can work when nothing else does.
Le Dauphiné reports that since 2020, all new cars sold in France with a radio have had to support DAB+, but there is no requirement for a radio to be present. The campaign aims to make FM/DAB+ receivers mandatory in every new vehicle and close that regulatory gap.
Since 2020, EU law has required any new car with a radio to support DAB+. DAB+ is the digital standard gradually replacing FM, but the law does not require a radio to be installed. The new Digital Networks Act, still under debate in the European Parliament and Council, is where broadcasters want to secure a binding requirement for FM and DAB+ in every new car, rather than leaving them as an option.
No carmaker has publicly answered the French petition. As the market changes, buyers risk losing free, anonymous radio as paid options that rely on data take its place. This goes beyond convenience: in a disaster, when mobile networks go down or the power fails, radio can be the only way to get news.
Europe’s car market is changing fast. As reported earlier, new brands and technology are changing what drivers expect, and digital dashboards are everywhere. But radio’s basic promise of open, universal access is now at risk.
This is about keeping public access to information. If the EU does nothing, losing radio in new cars will change who controls news and culture, along with emergency alerts on Europe’s roads. Broadcasters are pushing for mandatory FM and DAB+ so that technological progress does not erase this public good.
