World Radio Day observed with theme Radio is You

13 February: World Radio Day

World Radio Day was celebrated across the world on 13 February 2017. The day is observed every year to celebrate radio as the medium of entertainment, the mode of communication and information.

Themed ‘Radio is You’, this year the day calls for a greater participation of both the audiences and communities in the policy and planning of radio broadcasting.

Speaking on the occasion, Irina Bokova, the Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said that at such a time when turbulence is high in the society, radio provides an ideal platform to bring communities together.

She further added by saying that radio, as a popular communication medium, is a force for human rights and dignity and also a powerful enabler of solutions to the challenges faced by the society.

Background

• World Radio Day was celebrated for the first time in 2012, following its establishment during the UNESCO General Conference in the same year.

• It was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as an International 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.

• The medium’s role is especially enhanced at the time of a disaster such as an earthquake, as it plays a significant part in disseminating information and bringing communities together.