EBU urges EU to protect radio in cars and net neutrality
May 20, 2026 11.34 Europe/London By Julian Clover


The EBU has called on EU lawmakers to protect broadcast radio in vehicles, broadcasters’ spectrum access and net neutrality under the forthcoming Digital Networks Act.

In its policy position, the EBU said the legislation will shape how Europeans access digital services and media for years to come, and warned that key public interest safeguards must be preserved.

Vincent Sneed, senior EU policy adviser at the EBU, said direct access to broadcast radio in vehicles remains “a lifeline” in times of crisis, while net neutrality protects access to diverse content.

The EBU is urging lawmakers to ensure analogue and digital terrestrial radio remain directly available in cars without intermediaries.

It also says net neutrality should remain central to Europe’s online framework, with BEREC retaining independent oversight.

The organisation warned that proposed conciliation mechanisms could create indirect pressure for content providers to contribute financially to network operators, effectively opening the door to network access fees.

The EBU also called for continued protection of broadcasters’ spectrum access, including for PMSE wireless production tools used in cultural and public events.

It said the Digital Networks Act should preserve access to services of general interest, including must-carry rules, electronic programme guides and open APIs.