Vatican News
Even today, despite the technological revolution associated with artificial intelligence, radio remains the medium that European citizens consider the most reliable source of information. This is a value that guarantees freedom, serving pluralism and the democratic system – says Alessandro Gisotti, deputy director of Vatican Media, representing Vatican Radio in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and chairman of the Radio and Audio News Group.
Gisotti explains that for the EBU, maintaining full accessibility of radio stations is crucial, starting with ensuring the presence of radio receivers in cars.
Digital Networks Act and the Future of Europe
The Digital Networks Act (DNA) is a legislative project of the European Union, aiming to reshape the digital communication system on the Old Continent and create a unified legal framework.
As Gisotti says, this will impact the informational content that European citizens will be able to read, watch, and listen to in the coming years.
The adoption of the DNA is planned for 2027. Currently, a long and complex consultation process is underway within European institutions, with media, telecommunications operators, and, of course, major digital technology companies also participating in the discussion.
60 percent of radio listening – in cars
One of the most important issues in the current debate is the presence of radio in cars. The EBU strongly demands that the Digital Networks Act provide for the obligation to equip all new cars sold in the European Union with integrated terrestrial radio receivers.
According to the EBU’s proposed amendment, cars should enable the reception of both analog and terrestrial digital radio. This means ensuring FM and DAB/DAB+ technology.
European regulations should ensure that all users can listen to the radio in the car, regardless of the country they are in.
The deputy director of Vatican Media emphasizes that radio is most frequently listened to in cars. According to the latest research, almost 60 percent of radio listening occurs while in a car.
Therefore, the EBU emphasizes that without guaranteeing the presence of radio in vehicles, millions of European citizens could lose an important tool for accessing reliable information and content serving the public good.
Radio as a guarantor of freedom
“Among European public media, there is a full awareness that radio is a service of fundamental importance, a true guarantor of freedom serving democratic systems and freedom of information,” explains Alessandro Gisotti.
As a free medium, and thus accessible to all, radio also operates in crisis situations – one only needs to think of war-torn Ukraine or the power grid failure on the Iberian Peninsula last year.
Radio is the most trusted by citizens
“Furthermore, all studies conducted at the European level confirm that radio is the source of information that Europeans trust the most. This is precisely why it must be protected – it is a pillar of information pluralism,” Gisotti argues.
He adds that for all these reasons, the European Digital Networks Act should guarantee an appropriate place for radio broadcasters. Radio is an extremely valuable asset and should be adequately protected.
