Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has echoed calls by the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland to ensure that car manufacturers do not remove radios from all new cars that are produced. The moves come in the wake of some car manufacturers replacing the humble radio with internet only options on the dashboards of new cars.
According to Ní Mhurchú, radio should continue to be available to those who wish to listen to it and she pointed to the fact that 41% of people listen to radio whilst in the car. She argues that removing the radio would limit consumer choice, force people to use subscription services only and have a negative impact on broadcasters who are providing an effective news, music and current affairs service.
“This is an unnecessary move on behalf of the car manufacturers," she said. "Many consumers listen to radio in their cars on a daily basis. They get news, local weather alerts, traffic and local information and music. Why force people to listen to subscription only options when we should be providing the option of both to car drivers. All I am saying is that manufacturers should continue to offer customers the choice - as they have always done.
“I am calling on car manufacturers to see sense. This should not require legislation at EU level but if it does, then this is something I would investigate in cooperation with my colleagues in the European Parliament.”
Ní Mhurchú pointed to the fact that radio in Ireland has always been free to listen to and should continue to be so going forward. She maintains that Irish radio stations provide a vital service for the community and in the fight against disinformation.
She said that car manufacturers should be giving their customers the choice to listen to radio if they wish and pointed to a move in the US Senate in 2023 where a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced a bill forcing car manufacturers to retain AM frequencies in new vehicles at no additional cost to consumers.
“Nobody wants to go down the route of legislation here but the hope is that car manufacturers will engage with organisations like the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and their colleagues in Europe, the European Broadcasting Union," Ní Mhurchú added. "The European Parliament has a mandate to protect consumers and as lawmakers, we will act on that mandate should it prove necessary."
