The commemoration of World Radio Day has been observed today. This day was proposed by Spain’s Radio Academy in 2010, and then in 2011 UNESCO declared it the first World Radio Day, since then it has been celebrated annually on 13th February.
The importance and vital role Radio plays in the society must be highlighted, during this day. Among its vital roles is to inform, entertain, educate and bring transformation.
Its functions include;
It’s a very dynamic and engaging medium of communication, and it offers ways of interaction and participation of listeners to presenters.
It also brings communities together and advocates for change.
It works as a mirror to the society and hence helps in the fight for the rights of the less fortunate in the society.
Radio serves as a means of communication in times of emergency thus giving breaking news.
It educates the society thus providing diversified views.
Radio also addresses challenges faced by the society.
It is still the most readily available medium that can disseminate information to reach the widest and most diverse audiences in the shortest time.
World Radio Day seeks to celebrate the importance of the radio in improving international co-operation, providing access to information and supporting free speech. According to the UN, there are about 44,000 radio stations operating around the globe. It is estimated that approximately 75% of homes in developing nations have access to a radio.
Let us all be good listeners and lovers of the radio as we celebrate WORLD RADIO DAY.