World Radio Day, celebrated on February 13 every year, is dedicated to spread awareness about the power of the audio medium. The radio, said to be invented by Italian electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi in the 1890s, is an important means of communication to educate, entertain and inform.
It is a fast, easily accessible and affordable way to reach a
huge number of people, including in remote areas. World Radio Day is honoured
with special activities like broadcasts, community events, awards, debates
conducted by radio stations and other organisations.
The
theme for World Radio Day 2023 this year is ‘Radio and Peace’, which highlights
the role of radio in encouraging peace and avoiding conflict. The United
Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) highlights independent radio as a
pillar for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The sub-themes for this
year’s radio day are - Radio in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding and
Support to Independent Radio.
History and
Significance
The
Spanish Radio Academy in September 2010 requested the United Nations
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to mark a day to
honour radio's significance across the world. After discussions with various
broadcasting associations, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs),
as well as UNESCO Permanent Delegations and National Commissions, 91 percent
voted in favour of the proposal.
During
the 36th general assembly session, the UNESCO Executive Board requested UNESCO
to declare a World Radio Day. February 13 was then accepted as World Radio Day
in 2012. The date was chosen because the United Nations Radio was born on
February 13, 1946.
Radio
arrived in India in the early 20th century. Serving as a source of information
for those who are unable to read advertisements or newspapers, the radio has
stood the test of time as a trusted medium even as technological advancements
abound.
