World Radio Day being celebrated globally today

KATHMANDU: World Radio Day is being celebrated across the globe today with a range of special events involving radio professionals, communication experts, and broadcasters.

The day has been observed since 2012 under the leadership of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

It commemorates the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946.

According to UNESCO, the day aims to raise public awareness about the importance of radio as a medium of communication, encourage decision-makers to ensure access to information, and strengthen international cooperation among broadcasters worldwide.

Radio is widely regarded as a powerful platform for celebrating cultural diversity and promoting democratic dialogue.

Despite rapid technological advancement, it remains the most widely consumed mass medium globally.

Its unique ability to reach broad audiences allows it to serve as an inclusive public forum where diverse voices can be heard and represented.

UNESCO has emphasized that radio stations should serve diverse communities by presenting varied programs, perspectives, and content while reflecting audience diversity within their organizational structures and operations.

As a low-cost and accessible medium, radio plays a crucial role in reaching remote and vulnerable communities.

It provides equal opportunities for participation in public discourse regardless of educational background and remains vital in emergency communication and disaster response.

Associate Professor Shriram Paudel from the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University noted that radio uniquely fosters dialogue and unity within communities, promoting positive social change.

By responding to listeners’ needs and ensuring diverse viewpoints, radio contributes to addressing shared challenges effectively.

In a message issued on the occasion, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany stressed that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) must serve the public good. He underscored the responsibility of radio to deliver accurate information with integrity and to strengthen empathetic community connections in the digital age.

To mark the day, radio stations and broadcasters worldwide are organizing special programs, panel discussions, competitions, storytelling events, and awareness campaigns.

In several African countries, cultural performances, interactive sessions, and film screenings are also being held, along with discussions on the future of radio and the impact of AI.

World Radio Day once again highlights radio’s enduring relevance as a trusted, inclusive, and transformative medium in an increasingly digital world.