New international research into in-car radio listening will be unveiled during WorldDAB Automotive 2026 in Frankfurt next month.
The event on 11 June will bring together broadcasters, car manufacturers and regulators to discuss the future of radio in connected vehicles, with a focus on prominence, discoverability and listening habits.
The new Car Buyer’s Research, conducted by Fifty5Blue, examines how drivers use audio in the car and what they expect from radio services. The findings will also explore how dashboard design, default settings and user experience influence listening behaviour.
Senior representatives from the automotive sector, the European Broadcasting Union, the Association of European Radios and WorldDAB are due to discuss the research during a panel session at the event.
The programme will also include updates on the Radio Ready initiative from Tomas Granryd and Bauer Media Group’s Tobias Nielsen, alongside sessions looking at DAB+ developments in Germany, Australia and Spain.
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst said: “Radio’s role as a trusted, accessible and immediate medium is more important than ever.”
She added that the new research would provide “robust evidence for the automotive and policy communities on the continuing relevance of broadcast radio”.
Other sessions will focus on policy, media plurality and investment in broadcast infrastructure, including the launch of a new Public Policy Toolbox presented by David Fernández Quijada from South 180.
WorldDAB Automotive 2026 takes place in Frankfurt on 11 June and is free to attend.