ATHENS — Radiodays Europe 2025 was held in Athens from March 9–11. According to the organizers, the event brought together more than 1,500 radio and audio professionals from nearly 50 countries to discuss the major changes and challenges facing the industry.
At the opening, Greece’s Deputy Minister Pavlos Marinakis emphasized radio’s enduring importance as a trusted, timely, and democratic medium. He noted that radio continues to reach citizens of all ages and has supported public dialogue and informed societies since the early days of broadcasting.
Main challenges
One of the main challenges discussed was the growing competition from new audio providers like global streaming platforms and podcast networks.
Peter Niegel, CEO of Radiodays Europe, asked: “What will the future of audio look like? How should we design our audio offering to meet future needs?” He encouraged the industry to keep believing “in great content, music, understanding young listeners, and important technological advancements.”
The speakers generally agreed that radio must redefine itself as part of the broader audio ecosystem by using its unique strengths: Trust, local relevance, and human connection. Instead of competing solely on size, radio can grow by embracing niche audiences — focusing on specific, highly engaged communities can strengthen radio’s position and relevance.
Key topics
The role of artificial intelligence and technology in radio’s future was a major focus at several sessions. Experts discussed how AI is entering newsrooms and content production, exploring its potential for creating, distributing, and personalizing content. European broadcasters shared practical examples of using the technology to improve workflows and audience engagement, while highlighting the need for media organizations to develop responsible AI strategies.
Engaging younger audiences, especially Gen Z, was another key theme. Industry leaders shared insights on connecting with younger demographics by understanding their media habits and expectations. Sessions emphasized creating relevant, innovative content and adapting distribution strategies to reach young listeners where they are.
Securing radio’s prominence in car dashboards was also discussed extensively. Sessions explored strategies to protect and enhance radio’s presence in vehicles, emphasizing industry-wide collaboration to keep radio easily accessible in connected cars through DAB+ and smart integration.
The event concluded with the announcement that Radiodays Europe 2026 will be held in Riga, Latvia, from March 22 to 24.
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