France mandates radio receivers in new cars to revive radio's declining audience, with a focus on digital tech and relaxed advertising rules.
French Senate mandates radio receivers in vehicles
The French Senate has approved a proposal requiring all new vehicles to be equipped with radio receivers, aiming to preserve radio as a medium despite its declining audience. This decision comes as traditional radio faces competition from digital platforms and streaming services.Radio audience decline highlights need for change
According to Médiamétrie, 38 million French people still listen to the radio daily, but the medium has seen an 18% drop in listenership between 2015 and 2025, with a more significant decline among younger generations. This has prompted lawmakers to seek ways to support radio's relevance.Bill aims to modernize and strengthen radio
The bill, proposed by centrist senator Laurent Lafon (UDI), seeks to "allow radio to continue its modernization and to loosen the constraints that weaken it." Radio stations and the Minister of Culture, Catherine Pégard, support the initiative, emphasizing its value during crises when radio remains a vital source of information.Mandatory FM or DAB+ receivers in new vehicles
One of the bill’s key provisions requires vehicle manufacturers to install either FM or DAB+ receivers in new cars. DAB+ is a digital radio technology intended to replace traditional FM, and the measure addresses concerns that some foreign vehicles lack such equipment.DAB+ adoption seen as crucial for radio’s future
The Senate’s text also aims to accelerate the deployment of DAB+, which is comparable to digital terrestrial television. While the Arcom, France’s media regulator, has set a 2033 deadline for full digital radio broadcasting, the bill requires manufacturers to ensure all radio equipment is DAB+ compatible within two years.Bill also targets radio ad disclaimers
Another part of the bill seeks to reduce the impact of mandatory legal disclaimers in radio advertisements, which are seen as burdensome. The proposal would exempt radios from some health-related messages, provided they broadcast alternative public interest campaigns on the same topics.
