Radio is the mass medium reaching the widest audience in the world. It is also recognized as a powerful communication tool and a low cost medium. Radio is specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief.
There is also a changing face to radio services which, in the present times of media convergence, are taking up new technological forms, such as broadband, mobiles and tablets.
Radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium there is, adapting to 21st century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate. Where social media and audience fragmentation can put us in media bubbles of like-minded people, 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 provides the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we all face.
In the world of web series, podcasts and Twitter, there are still number of people who tune into their favourite radio stations every day. If you are one of them, congratulations, today is your day! Today is World Radio Day, an occasion to celebrate the dynamic medium.
So whatever your reason for listening to radio is, these facts about the Word Radio Day will make you understand the medium better:
History:Do you know why February 13 was chosen for Radio Day? Because it is the day the United Nations radio was established in 1946. On 14 January 2013, the United Nations General Assembly formally endorsed UNESCO’s proclamation of the World Radio Day. During its 67th Session, the UN General Assembly endorsed the resolution adopted during the 36th session of the UNESCO General Conference, proclaiming 13 February, the day United Nations Radio was established in 1946, as World Radio Day.
This year’s themeThis year, the World Radio Day theme is sports and radio. It is a time to look at momentous sporting events that showcase the beauty of sports on radio. In 2018, UNESCO is dedicating World Radio Day to the theme of radio and sports. Talking about the day, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO said the radio is a powerful means to transmit the enthusiasm of sport events. It is also a means to convey the values of fair play, teamwork and equality in sport. Radio can help combat racist and xenophobic stereotypes that are, alas, expressed both on and off the field. It allows a broad range of traditional sports to be covered, far beyond the elite teams. It provides the opportunity to nurture diversity, as a force for dialogue and tolerance, she added.
Going back to origins
The term "radio" is derived from the Latin word "radius", meaning "spoke of a wheel, beam of light, ray". It was first applied to communications in 1881 when, at the suggestion of French scientist Ernest Mercadier, Alexander Graham Bell adopted "radiophone" (meaning "radiated sound") as an alternate name for his photophone optical transmission system.However, this invention would not be widely adopted.
Early useEarly uses were maritime, for sending telegraphic messages using Morse code between ships and land. The earliest users included the Japanese Navy scouting the Russian fleet during the Battle of Tsushima in 1905. One of the most memorable uses of marine telegraphy was during the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, including communications between operators on the sinking ship and nearby vessels, and communications to shore stations listing the survivors.
IDEAS BEHIND CELEBRATING THE WORLD RADIO DAY ACCORDING TO UNESCO
Hand the Mic to Women Broadcasters
Bring Women's and Mixed Sports to the Fore
Host Special 'Gender and Sports' Radio Program
Create a Sports for Peace Radio Segment
Play a ’Historic Sporting Moments' Special
Create a Sports Music Medley
Engage your Networks and Partners
Organize a Radio Relay