World Radio Day commemorated every February 13th

United Nations, February 13 (RHC)-- February 13th is commemorated as World Radio Day.  The date was adopted in 2011 by the Member States of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO -- to celebrate radio as part of humanity’s history by following the various developments in our society and adapting its services. 

A statement issued in New York by the United Nations says that radio is accessible anywhere, anytime and reaches a broad audience.  It presents itself as an arena where all voices can be expressed, represented, and heard hence why radio is still the most consumed medium worldwide today.

Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse.  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.

The UN statement notes that 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 communications 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.