Canadian broadcasters join Radio Ready in-car radio coalition

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) has joined Radio Ready, a global coalition that works to keep radio prominent in connected cars. The group now counts more than 40 members, representing over 10,000 radio stations. The US National Association of Broadcasters is already among them.

Radio Ready is co-chaired by Bauer Media Group and Swedish Radio/EBU. It 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.

Why dashboards matter to broadcasters

The coalition argues that radio remains a leading choice for in-car audio. It also says radio carries public value, from local language and culture to trusted information during emergencies. In its view, access should not be buried by automakers' software choices. Car screens are growing more digital and turning toward subscription media.

CAB President and CEO Kevin Desjardins said radio "keeps people connected to their communities, reflects our culture, and provides trusted information when it matters most". He added that Canadians rely on free, local radio for timely updates during wildfires, severe weather and other emergencies.

Kevin Desjardins, CAB: "As car dashboards become more complex, protecting straightforward access to radio is essential to preserving that public service."

Desjardins said that by joining, CAB adds "Canada's voice to a global coalition committed to ensuring drivers can continue to easily find and use radio".

Source: Radio Ink