World Radio Day 2018 observed across the world

13 February: World Radio Day

The World Radio Day 2018 was observed across the world on February 13, 2018 with the theme 'Radio and Sports'. This year's theme celebrates both radio and sports as ways of helping people to achieve their full potential.

The Day aims to raise awareness among the public and the media about the importance of radio; to encourage decision makers to establish and provide access to information through radio and to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters.

Radio is the mass medium that reaches the widest audience in the world. It even reaches remote communities and vulnerable people such as the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor.

There is also a changing face to radio services. At present, Radio is taking up new technological forms such as broadband, mobiles and tablets.

Background
• World Radio Day was celebrated for the first time in 2012, following its establishment by the UNESCO General Conference of 2012.

• The Day was later proclaimed by the  UN General Assembly through its resolution proclaiming 13 February, the day when United Nations Radio was established in 1946, as World Radio Day.

• Every year, UNESCO commemorates the day by planning activities with organisations, broadcasters and communities from around the world.

• The day gives an opportunity to honour the role radio plays in bringing communities together and promoting a positive dialogue for change.

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