Why ditching AM radio could put regional Australia at risk

Australia's peak commercial radio body is urging carmakers and the Federal Government to ensure AM, FM and DAB+ receivers remain standard equipment in new vehicles. According to proponents, removing broadcast radio in favour of internet-only infotainment systems creates a significant safety risk for regional and rural motorists.

Despite the rise of streaming, podcasts and digital radio, some carmakers are beginning to switch off a longstanding staple: traditional FM and AM radio.

But there are moves afoot to make it illegal to do so in Australia.

If new legislation passes, it will force carmakers to have physical buttons to enable radio systems in cars, or at the very least maintain conventional radio receivers, similar to what is occurring the USA.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has warned that removing traditional broadcast radio overlooks the realities of driving across Australia's vast regional and remote areas.

The organisation argues broadcast radio remains the only communications platform capable of reliably reaching motorists when bushfires, floods and other natural disasters disable mobile phone towers and internet infrastructure.

CRA chief executive officer Lizzie Young said the issue extends well beyond convenience.

"As a nation, we're heavily reliant on the radio … maybe not metro dwellers but certainly out in regional and rural Australia, the radio is like a last line of defence, if you like, when it comes to emergencies and climate crises, such as flooding and bushfires," she said.

Young beloves broadcast radio should remain as a redundancy as connected vehicle technology and EVs continue to evolve and delete physical buttons.

"We're also advocating for an AM/FM DAB receiver to be retained in all news cars for that fallback, because, of course, in Australia there's masses of the country that are not covered well by cell phone towers or internet coverage.

"In fact, we've seen in emergencies internet go down, which actually happened a couple of years ago in the bushfires. So we want that added layer of protection."

CRA is Australia's peak industry body representing commercial radio broadcasters, with the ABC – a key part of emergency broadcasts – supposedly on board with the endeavour.

“I work for the commercial [radio] groups but on this one, we're 100 per cent lined up with the ABC, that you cannot not have that [AM tuner in a car],” Young said.

Data from the Infinite Dial 2026 report shows 4.5 million regional Australians listen to radio every week and consumer research also reinforces its importance.

Just over 80 per cent of Australian drivers consider radio vital during a disaster, while 64 per cent say it’s the first source they turn to during an emergency.

With vehicle engineering decisions largely made overseas, CRA has shifted its focus to Canberra, lobbying politicians from across the political spectrum to embed broadcast radio requirements into Australian vehicle standards.

According to Young, support has come from both major parties and the crossbench.

"Last Wednesday I talked to Sarah Hanson-Young, David Pocock, and Sarah Henderson, so comms opposition … and I've said to them all, despite the fact that no one says this [endeavour] is a problem, I still can't get it through. We just need attention on this and focus," she said.

"I think where we’re really going to have some success is with Dr. Anne Webster, she's the Nationals’ spokesperson for communication, and so being a Nat, she's passionate about regional and rural Australia.

"And so her position just last week was, 'You tell me what you need me to do next, Lizzie'.”

CRA is continuing to lobby the Federal Government to require broadcast radio capability in new vehicles sold in Australia, arguing internet-only infotainment systems are not a sufficient substitute during emergencies.

Without regulatory intervention, the organisation warns more new vehicles could reach Australian roads without AM, FM or DAB+ receivers, potentially leaving regional motorists without access to critical emergency broadcasts when telecommunication networks fail.

The CRA CEO told carsales legislation is expected to be tabled, it’s just a question of when.

“So, the good news for us is that we follow in the footsteps of our TV colleagues, and what they had to do with connected television,” Young said.

“The bad news is we didn't get done at the same time as them… and it's easy for things to get delayed in parliament, which is what's currently happening.

“However, we understand it is going to happen so it will become a very hot topic, obviously, once the exposure of the drafted legislation is done and consultation begins.”

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