History of World Radio Day
By naomi.njoroge, February 13, 2024
Every year on February 13, the world commemorates World Radio Day to raise awareness among the public and the media on the importance of radio.
World Radio Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011. It was later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on January 14, 2013, as an international day.
“Other stakeholders involved in the establishment of World Radio Day included public and private broadcasting associations, community and international broadcasters, UN agencies, funds and programmes, topic-related NGOs, academia, foundations and development agencies as well as UNESCO Permanent Delegations and National Commissions,” UN noted.
Notably, radio remains the most far-reaching, easily accessible medium of communication that informs and entertains all sectors of society including reaching audiences in remotest parts of countries in different languages, regardless of literacy levels.
The industry with its three-tier models of public, commercial and community radio practices independent journalism just like other media establishments.
Technological developments have worked to the advantage of radios since various stations can reach a larger audience as radios can be incorporated into new popular digital platforms.
Further, radio practitioners can adapt to changing editorial and ethical demands in the profession through training.
As part of the celebrations, various presenters have taken to social media to commemorate the day.