UNESCO proclaimed 13 February as World Radio Day in 2011 and the UN General Assembly declared it as an International Day in 2012. Radio has been a celebration in itself. On this day, the world comes together to recognise the immense amount of service and influence Radio has done. Learning Radio and TeacherParv Podcasts send the wishes to all!
We are what we speak and what we listen! The generation which has been a mentor to all of us is the GenRadio. They have been synonymous with 'Listening' and the emergence of Podcasts is a testimony to the power of listening. The rise in the number of online radio stations, podcasts and PodMOOCs is the evidence to see. UNESCO has marked this day to bring the world together to celebrate RADIO.
We are sharing excerpts from the UNESCO Blog on World Radio Day and also invite you to listen to the wishes and salute to Radio on our Podcasts.
Learning Radio Podcasts (English)
TeacherParv Podcasts (HINDI)
Recent world events and the COVID-19 pandemic have eroded trust in the media in general, fuelled by the circulation of false content rapidly spreading on social media. But while studies reveal a global decline in trust in the internet and social networks, they show a rise in overall trust in the news. And many citizens still have greater confidence in radio than in other media.
Digital access to information is far from being equal, with huge differences remaining between regions and between communities. In comparison, radio remains affordable and can be listened to everywhere, even when electricity or connectivity are not reliable. It is also diverse and inclusive. Community radio, for instance, reaches out to those under-represented in the mainstream and social media, who may feel better understood and fairly portrayed and consequently trust their local station.
On the occasion of World Radio Day 2022, UNESCO calls on radio stations to celebrate the Day through three sub-themes:
- Trust in radio journalism: Produce independent and high-quality content;
- Trust and accessibility: Take care of your audience;
- Trust and viability of radio stations: Ensure competitiveness.
Proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD).
Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. At the global level, radio remains the most widely consumed medium. This unique ability to reach out the widest audience means radio can shape a society’s experience of diversity, stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. Radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations.
Radio is a low-cost medium specifically suited to reaching remote communities and vulnerable people, offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. It also plays a crucial role in emergency communication and disaster relief.
Radio is uniquely positioned to bring communities together and foster positive dialogue for change. By listening to its audiences and responding to their needs, radio services provide the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we all face.
