The history of radio goes back over 110 years. World Radio Day celebrates radio as "part of humanity's history" according to the United Nations.

 

Radio has adapted itself over the decades and played a key role in disseminating information to people in remote corners of the world in times of crisis including the ongoing Covid pandemic. The popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's  'Mann Ki Baat' proves the importance of radio as a medium of communication.

 

Theme of World Radio Day 2021:

The UNESCO has called on radio stations to celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Radio Day through three sub-themes: evolition, innovation and connection.

 

Evolution: "The world changes, radio evolves - radio is resilient and sustainable"

Innovation: "The world changes, radio adapts and innovates- radio adapts to new technologies and remains the go-to medium of mobility, accessible everywhere and to everyone"

Connection: "The world changes, radio connects - radio services our society during natural disasters, socio-economic crises, epidemics, etc."

"New World, New Radio" is an "ode to the resilience of radio", says the UN. World Radio Day was started in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO and in 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted it as an International Day.

 

Five reasons why the radio is unique:

 

Radio is a low-cost medium

Radio remains the most widely consumed medium

Radio can reach out to the widest audience

Radio stations offers a wide range programmes, which are suitable for local communities globally

Radio plays a key role in emergency communication when natural disasters strike

Happy World Radio Day!