The Alliance “brings together for the first time private, local and national, generalist and thematic radio stations present throughout the territory”, explains the structure chaired by Régis Ravanas, the general director of audio activities of the M6 group, in a press release . In addition to the M6 stations (RTL, RTL2, FUN Radio), it brings together those of the NRJ group (NRJ, Nostalgie, Chérie FM, Rire et Chansons), Lagardère (Europe 1, Europe 2 and RFM) and RMC BFM (RMC and BFM Business), already members of another lobbying organization, the Radio Bureau. Added to this are Radio Classique (Les Echos-Le Parisien group), Skyrock, and the 176 members of Sirti (independent radio union) such as OÜI FM or Radio Nova.
“In the current context of transformation of uses, uniting and working together to address changes in the sector and regulatory or technological developments is essential,” explained Régis Ravanas, quoted in the press release. The Alliance, whose vice-president will be Christophe Schalk, the president of Sirti, must thus establish “a constant dialogue” with “the public authorities in favor of a modernized regulatory legislative framework”, according to the text. It must also ensure “the promotion of radio media”, listened to “on average 2 hours 50 minutes per day” by “nearly 7 out of 10 French people”. Its advertising commission, bringing together the agencies of its members, “will be responsible for establishing all work and studies for the market”, it is added.
Private radio stations have already joined their voices in recent years to oppose in particular a possible lifting of the advertising revenue cap for Radio France, the public broadcasting group. The reduction of legal notices, these information messages broadcast at the end of advertising spots, or even the adaptation of quotas for French-speaking songs are among the workhorses of private stations. In 2021, the latter also joined forces with Radio France to launch the Radioplayer application in response to competition from internet giants. Public and private have also been working together since 2022 within a communications association around the deployment of DAB+, digital radio.
