Press release

European Broadcasters Unite for New Audio campaign, Connected Journeys

Landmark movement will run across broadcasters reaching 180 million listeners and aims to celebrate Europe’s enduring love of listening to radio in the car

London, 13th February 2026 – Today, Bauer Media Audio marks World Radio Day by joining an unprecedented demonstration of industry-wide unity. In an historic first, the broadcaster has joined many of Europe’s most influential radio and audio operators to launch ‘Connected Journeys’ - a campaign celebrating the unique joy of listening to the radio in the car.  

At the heart of the campaign is a coordinated on-air message - supported by social media activity - broadcast in unison by a diverse, broad and highly trusted group of broadcasters at a scale never seen before: 

  • Across Europe: The message will broadcast on all 104 Bauer Media radio stations across nine different countries; the entire NRJ network in France and elsewhere; alongside 22 other leading broadcasters across Europe, including RTL and REGIOCAST.  
  • Regional firsts: Some countries will see extraordinary market takeovers - Poland, for example will see the campaign run across every major radio station in the country reaching 78% of the population.  
  • With 24 broadcasters from 15 countries bringing the event to life, the campaign will run across radio stations that reach 180 million listeners every week, making it one of the most unique and impactful collective efforts in the history of European radio.  

Radio remains Europe’s most trusted medium and a constant companion for drivers, delivering trusted news, culture and connection on the move. As cars become increasingly connected and in-car entertainment more complex, Connected Journeys highlights radio’s enduring value and encourages listeners to prioritise simple, seamless access to in-car radio when choosing their next vehicle. 

A New Chapter of Industry Collaboration  

The campaign signals a transition from strategic discussion to visible, collective action. Tobias Nielsen, Senior Vice President Digital, Bauer Media Audio said:  “We’re incredibly proud to spearhead Connected Journeys and its demonstration of industry unity. Leading radio stations right across Europe are acting together to champion listeners’ experience and expectations in the connected car and ensure that radio remains at the heart of the journey.” 

“Radio is our valued companion as we drive and our trusted source of information on the go. The ‘Connected Journeys’ campaign reminds audiences of their lifelong relationship with the radios in their cars. From holidays to school runs, quick journeys to treasured road trip memories, radio is the immediate choice for so many drivers.” 

“As in-car entertainment technology offers more choice, but with increasing complexity, we're reminding listeners that their in-car radio should remain just a simple click away.” 

Many of the broadcasters supporting The Connected Journeys Campaign are members of the cross-industry initiative Radio Ready for Connected Cars alongside Bauer Media Group. 

Radio Ready for Connected Cars is the cross-industry campaign working to secure the future of in-car radio. As automotive technology provides ever-increasing options for listeners in connected vehicles, Radio Ready aims to ensure they retain convenient, instant access to in-car radio. The Radio Ready campaign focuses on three clear objectives – in modern, connected vehicles, radio should remain prominent and accessible, easily discoverable and reliably controlled by voice assistants. 

For more information visit: Radioready.info 


ENDS 

About Bauer Media Group 
We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offer covers print and online publishing, audio broadcasting and entertainment, Out of Home advertising, and investments in other media related sectors. We are one of Europe’s largest Publishers, with almost 500 million copies sold each year. From women’s and celebrities’ magazines and TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of Europe’s most popular digital and print publishing brands. Our Audio business operates more than 150 radio and podcast brands, reaching over 61 million listeners every week. Bauer Media Outdoor is one of Europe’s leading Out of Home advertising businesses, with more than 100,000 advertising panels. Family-owned in the 5th generation, Bauer Media focuses on the long-term with a consumer first mindset. Our workforce of over 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people‘s everyday lives.

About Radio Ready 
Radio Ready for Connected Cars is a pan-European, cross-industry initiative dedicated to ensuring that radio remains a central, intuitive, and high-quality feature of the in-car experience. As automotive dashboards evolve into digital ecosystems, Radio Ready brings together public and commercial broadcasters and industry bodies to promote the front and centre position of radio on car dashboards and the ease of use for listeners on the move. 
Co-chaired by Bauer Media Group and Swedish Radio, the initiative fosters improved collaboration between the broadcast and automotive stakeholders to ensure that radio’s unique emotional connection and reliable service are preserved in the connected vehicles of today and tomorrow. Members and partners include the BBC, NRJ, RTL, Radio France, ARD, DR, Association of European Radios (AER), European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Radioplayer, Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), and Radiocentre, among others. 

For more information, industry insights, and campaign assets, visit RadioReady.info


Press contact
Bauer Media Group
Grace Walker
Senior Communications Manager
M +44 7861 081000
Grace.walker1@bauermedia.co.uk