CRA calls for legislation to protect radio access in cars and smart speakers

Commercial Radio & Audio is warning that radio’s role as a constant companion for Australians on the road is under threat, as modern car dashboards increasingly prioritise global streaming services over local broadcast access.

The industry body, along with the ABC, SBS and community broadcasters, has issued a joint call for legislation to guarantee prominence for radio across cars and smart speakers. The sector wants three key safeguards: one-button access to AM, FM, DAB+ and streaming audio in all vehicles; guaranteed availability and discoverability on smart speakers; and reliable verbal access via voice assistants.

“Australia’s relationship with cars and radio is unique,” Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA, said. “We drive long distances, live in dispersed communities, and rely on radio not just for entertainment, but for trusted news, connection, and vital information in times of emergency. Now is the time for urgent legislative action to ensure the medium of radio - with its central place in the driving experience - remains free and easily accessible for all Australians.”

CRA has relaunched its industry-wide consumer app, RadioApp, with a redesigned user experience aimed at making local stations more accessible on mobile devices. But Young said legislative support remains critical, given radio’s unique role as a mass medium that functions without mobile data, Wi-Fi or power.

Radio has long been one of Australia’s most relied-upon channels in crises, from the 2019–20 bushfires to Cyclone Alfred earlier this year, when mobile networks failed but radio continued to deliver life-saving information. CRA estimates 15 million Australians still tune in every week.