Canada’s national broadcast association is the latest to join a global coalition that now counts more than 40 members representing over 10,000 stations, fighting for radio’s place in the dashboard as car screens grow more digital and turn toward subscription media.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters is the newest member of Radio Ready, the global coalition working to safeguard radio’s prominence in connected cars. CAB joins more than 40 members representing over 10,000 radio stations, including the NAB.
Co-chaired by Bauer Media Group and Swedish Radio/EBU, Radio Ready traces back to “The Playbook,” an EBU plan unveiled in February 2024. Its goals are keeping radio prominent on the dashboard, making radio apps easy to find, and making sure voice assistants reliably surface stations. Its argument is that radio remains a leading choice for in-car audio and also carries public value, from local language and culture to trusted information during emergencies, so access to it should not be buried by automakers’ software choices.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Kevin Desjardins said, “Radio plays a vital role in the daily lives of Canadians; it keeps people connected to their communities, reflects our culture, and provides trusted information when it matters most. During wildfires, severe weather, and other emergencies, Canadians rely on free, local radio as a dependable source of timely updates. As car dashboards become more complex, protecting straightforward access to radio is essential to preserving that public service. By joining Radio Ready, we’re adding Canada’s voice to a global coalition committed to ensuring drivers can continue to easily find and use radio, and to safeguarding the role it plays in keeping Canadians informed and safe.”
Bauer Media Group VP Strategic Partnerships Tobias Nielsen added, “Ensuring audiences can continue to easily access radio as the in-car experience evolves is an important priority for broadcasters. The global support behind Radio Ready is a strong statement about the importance of securing a future where radio remains accessible and prominent in cars. We’re pleased to welcome CAB and to see the initiative continue to bring together perspectives from across the international radio community.”
