Celebrating Radio Week: Radio remains the most trusted and used media in the world.

South Asian Academia Mood-board, -ANON

Radio, an apparatus upholding peace, understanding and reconciliation

As the world celebrated World Radio Day on the 13th of February, scholars and professionals alike in the world media agreed that Radio continues to remain one of most trusted and used media in the world.

World Radio Day is celebrated annually on February 13th, and this year's theme was “Radio and Peace” which focuses on how radio can be used as a tool for promoting peace, understanding, and reconciliation.

This day was first proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO, and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International World Radio Day. The theme for the 2023 World Radio Day is "Radio and Peace", signaling the power radio can pose on listeners as it plays a vital role in promoting peace and unity, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

The birth of radio broadcasting

Radio transmission was designed by Italian technologists Guglielmo Marconi in the 1900s and since its launch as a medium for public communication, radio has made great strides in achieving significant milestones throughout the years as a primary source of information, entertainment and education for the general public. It is an extra ordinary medium, engaging with listeners setting a tone to whoever is listening.

Pink Retro Radio - Photo by Lisa Dawn

Radio has always had an impact in our lives.

Radio has a huge impact on our communities and many places in the world at large. The radio broadcasting community has consistently sought to improve the social wellbeing of its listeners and the community at large. This is achieved through the airing of newscasts, documentaries and information which resonates with the social needs of the communities in question.

Radio also plays a crucial role in disaster response and humanitarian aid. In the aftermath of a disaster, radio can be used to disseminate information about the situation and to coordinate the response of aid agencies and other stakeholders.

Radio can also be used to provide people with practical advice and support, such as how to access food, water, and medical care. By providing people with accurate information and support, radio can help to reduce the impact of disasters and to promote recovery and peace.

“Radio and Peace”

Wars begin in the minds of men and it is well within the minds of men that resolutions towards peace must be created. A famous quote by media personality Steve Allen states ‘radio being the theatre of the mind meaning we have to imagine whatever it is that is happening’.

Grey aesthetic retro mix - Lola Angus

Through innovations in telecommunications the public can air out its grievances on radio and address civil servants and public figures to resolve issues plaguing society. Radio fundamentally takes its listeners through shared interpersonal journeys and experiences, beginning where social needs are identified, moving through the phases in which conflict resolutions are pursued and finally reaching a point in which the social needs are adequately addressed.

By celebrating World Radio Day, we are acknowledging the important role that radio plays in promoting peace and stability, and it’s potential to bring people together and to promote understanding and cooperation. So, tune in to your favorite radio station and listen to how radio is being used to promote peace and stability in your community and around the world.

All in all radio speaks to us differently, it has a special way of catering to all of us differently, and that is the power radio possess.