World Radio Day was first proposed by Spain in September 2010. With backing from broadcasting associations around the world, it was unanimously accepted by the UNESCO Member States in November 2011. The cool thing about radio is it's still relevant and important in our daily lives. During those long drives for vacation or maybe to work, the radio is still with us, keeping us singing and keeping us informed. It's like a great friend and neighbour, one who's always there and never lets you down —except radio will never borrow your weed whacker and forget to return it.
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 to 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 reach 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.
Why do we celebrate Radio Day?
World Radio Day is celebrated to preserve the timeless medium, and create awareness ofthe importance of radio. People and the media are encouraged to use radio for the dissemination of information, networking, and enhancing communication around the world.