World Radio Day being observed today

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 Shahsi 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 1937, All India Radio has grown manyfold. AIR News today broadcast 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 13 February as World Radio Day. Radio is a low-cost medium specifically suited to reach 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.