In a world where static on the horizon threatens to silence our beloved Irish radio, we must take a stand. The future of in-car radio is at stake, and the EU has a crucial role to play in safeguarding it.
For many Irish drivers, the radio is an essential companion during their daily commute or those long, winding journeys. It's a source of comfort, entertainment, and connection. Whether it's catching up on GAA scores, staying informed about the weather, or indulging in a lively chat show, radio has become an integral part of our driving experience.
The statistics speak for themselves: approximately half of Irish adults tune in to audio content daily while driving, with radio leading the way. This figure has grown significantly since 2021, likely due to longer commutes and changing routines post-pandemic. In a world that often feels increasingly individualistic, live radio binds us together, creating shared experiences around sports, culture, and politics.
But here's where it gets controversial: the much-loved in-car radio is facing a threat. New electric car manufacturers, like Tesla, are opting to exclude FM radio as standard, instead favoring deals with global tech giants to stream content directly into our vehicles. These companies are spending big on lobbying against radio, as seen in the US, and this trend is likely to reach Europe.
Today, the European Commission is proposing an update to the EU Digital Networks Act, aiming to modernize European telecoms systems. While most of the ideas, such as boosting 5G and 6G connectivity and reducing consumer costs, are welcome, we must urge President von der Leyen to resist the lobbying of Big Tech and protect in-car radio.
We embrace the digital era and the inclusion of digital radio (DAB+) in our cars. New models will undoubtedly offer various streaming audio services, and digital technology will play a significant role in the future of automotive entertainment. However, car manufacturers must ensure that radio remains a prominent and accessible option on our dashboards, whether through a digital screen or a dedicated button.
Irish radio is more than just entertainment; it's a vital communication tool, especially during crises and emergencies. In a world dominated by social media and online content, Irish radio stands as a trusted medium, providing editorially independent, high-quality news, sports coverage, and engaging chat shows. It respects our privacy, unlike Big Tech, which often demands access to our personal data.
During major storms and flooding events, Irish drivers relied on radio for vital traffic updates and safety guidance. Without regulatory safeguards from the EU, global tech platforms could become the gatekeepers to radio content in our cars, threatening media diversity and listener choice. We must remember that online content remains largely unregulated, unlike our local and national radio stations, which adhere to a range of strict regulatory and content obligations as licensed broadcasters.
Irish radio follows a set of rules that ensure a minimum amount of Irish music content, regulate advertising for tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and medicines, promote fair election coverage, and uphold ownership rules to maintain media pluralism. These regulations are essential to protecting our cultural identity and ensuring a diverse media landscape.
The shift towards online content has already dealt a severe blow to Irish radio, TV, and print media, with radio's advertising market share dropping to just 10%, while online platforms account for nearly 60%. Losing in-car radio would be a death knell for national and local Irish radio stations, leading to the demise of an entire sector.
This eventuality would be devastating for Irish society. The EU must protect our cultural diversity and prevent Elon Musk and others from destroying Irish radio. When the legislative text reaches the European Parliament, I will work tirelessly to ensure that those who wish to listen to Irish radio in their cars can continue to do so.
While the EU may not be able to solve our traffic jams, it can certainly safeguard Irish radio. Let's not allow the static on the horizon to silence our voices.
Barry Andrews, MEP for Dublin
Readers, your support keeps these stories accessible to all. Consider contributing to keep valuable information like this free and open.
