Croatian MEP Sunčana Glavak (from the EPP representative group) sent a letter to the president of the European Commission Ursuli von der Leyen with a call for the upcoming Digital Networks Act to include clear safeguards to protect radios in new, connected vehicles.
“Radio must be visible and accessible”
As cars increasingly turn into digital platforms, the availability of radios on center screens and interfaces can no longer be taken for granted, the official statement said. The letter warns the Commission that, without clear rules, global technology platforms and car manufacturers could become intermediaries in access to audio content, which could have consequences for media pluralism, consumer choice and public safety.
“Radio is still the most reliable medium in Europe and in crisis situations it often remains the only channel that provides citizens with timely information and instructions, especially when there is a network outage or power outage. In the digital age, radio must not become a hidden option, but must remain visible and accessible to everyone, as before,” Glavak said.
In the letter, the European Commission is invited to include provisions in the proposal of the Act on Digital Networks that would:
- ensured the mandatory installation of radio receivers in all new vehicles placed on the EU market,
- guaranteed easy finding and availability of licensed radio services through the interface in the vehicle and
- ensured a level playing field for radio in relation to global audio platforms.
The letter was co-signed by representatives from the EPP, Renew, S&D and the Greens, on the initiative of Glavak, which further emphasizes the broad political support for the protection of radio as a reliable medium and security channel in the new era of digital mobility, concludes the MEP.
Vladimir Šrajber, Pexels
Act on digital networks
After the acts on digital markets and services, the European Commission will present the first proposal of the new Act on digital networks this week. It is one of the key legislative proposals for strengthening European digital infrastructure and competitiveness, with an emphasis on investment, resilience and modernization of the telecommunications framework. The main objective of the act is to ensure that Europe remains competitive in the global race for digital transformation, focusing on the development of 5G networks and fiber-optic internet infrastructure.
The proposal will be based on the creation of a real single telecommunications market, as well as the need for large technology companies to share in the costs of infrastructure construction. The act places great emphasis on the security of critical infrastructure, including submarine cables and satellite communications, and encourages the transition from traditional copper networks to modern technologies.