World Radio Day Being Observed With Theme Radio & Diversity

Today is World Radio Day. The day is observed every year on this date to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio and to encourage decision makers to establish and provide access to information through radio. It is also a day to remember the unique power of radio which touches lives and brings people together from every corner of the globe. The theme of this year’s World Radio Day is Radio and Diversity.

In his message on World Radio Day, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, radio brings people together and in an era of rapid media evolution, it retains a special place in every community as an accessible source of vital news and information. He urged the people to recognize the enduring power of radio to promote diversity and help build a more peaceful and inclusive world.

On the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati Shashi Shekhar Vempati said that radio has a very unique role and place in people’s life. He said, several parts of the country continue to rely on radio as their primary medium and source of information. Mr Vempati said that Prasar Bharati as a public service broadcaster of India has immense  responsibility to sustain and develop radio as a medium of public broadcasting. He also highlighted the various initiatives taken to increase the popularity of All India Radio.

Ever since its inception in 1936, All India Radio has grown manyfold. AIR News today broadcasts 607 bulletins in 92 languages and dialects every day.

On 14th January, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly formally endorsed UNESCO’s proclamation of  World Radio Day. During its 67th session, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 13th of February as World Radio Day. Radio is a low-cost medium specifically suited to reaching remote communities and vulnerable people. It is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. It also plays a crucial role in emergency communication and disaster relief.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar has extended his best wishes to people on World Radio Day. In a tweet, he said, Radio has become an integral part of life and now people can listen to Radio on the phone also.
Mr Javadekar said, Radio is the only support in a remote village, farm or forest. He said, Radio has become more popular due to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. The Minister added that Radio has broadcast good music and many informative programmes.―News on AIR