While some manufacturers are already removing the car radio from their new models, Jacqueline Galant refuses to let the radio disappear from dashboards. Together with her Flemish and German-speaking counterparts, the French-speaking Minister for Media wants to make a car radio compulsory in all new cars at European level. The car must not become a closed streaming platform, nor should Belgians be forced to use their mobile data to listen to the radio.
Radio, a daily reflex
For Jacqueline Galant, radio is not a medium of the past, but a local medium that is part of everyday life for Belgians. Between 15 and 17 % of radio listening takes place while travelling, making the car an essential listening place.
Removing the car radio pushes drivers towards apps, subscriptions and data consumption, whereas terrestrial radio is accessible instantly, free of charge and without a connection. The Minister wants to preserve this simple reflex: get in the car, press a button and listen to the radio.
Pluralism and the protection of a popular medium
Behind this battle lies a question of pluralism and democratic vitality. If radio disappears from cars, listenership, advertising revenue and the whole radio ecosystem, from major stations to local radios, would be weakened.
Protecting radio in new vehicles means guaranteeing simple, free and universal access to quality information for all Belgians. It also means refusing to let a popular medium be marginalised solely for the benefit of a few streaming platforms.
One single voice for Belgium in the EU
The Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the Flemish Community and the German-speaking Community have adopted a common position to defend radio in new cars. Together with Cieltje Van Achter and Gregor Freches, Jacqueline Galant will bring this demand to the EU Council: keeping the car radio compulsory in all new vehicles.
It is a strong political signal: on media issues, the three Communities speak with one voice to defend listeners and radio stations. The European timetable will be clarified after the summer, but the Belgian position is already set: radio must stay in the car.
Strengthening the Digital Networks Act
Belgium wants to use the future Digital Networks Act to require manufacturers to include a radio receiver in every new car. The aim is not to prevent streaming, but to avoid vehicles relying exclusively on internet radio and connected services.
Everyone should be able to switch on their radio in the car instantly, without an app, without a subscription and without using data. For Jacqueline Galant, technological progress must expand citizens' choices, not lock them into a closed streaming platform.