The invention relates to an RDS radio unit implementing a user friendly algorithm for automatic frequency change without inconveniencing the user with interruptions. A timer is used to delay the start of searches for a better frequency. The RDS radio unit comprises: a radio tuner (2) tunable to radio frequencies; a control unit (3) capable of controlling the radio tuner and monitoring received signal strength on a frequency to which the radio tuner is tuned, a memory (4) for receiving and storing a list of alternative frequencies; a timer (5) capable of timing a number of operations. The control unit is adapted to perform a search for a better channel frequency than an original frequency with a program matching the original frequency only when a first time T1 has elapsed, since the occurrence of an alternative frequency update request or a detection of received signal strength below a predetermined threshold. The present invention also relates to a telecommunication device (1) incorporating such an RDS radio unit.