World Radio Day
© UNESCO
The World Radio Day is celebrated annually on 13 February. The Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Assembly in 2011. World Radio Day marks a time where people around the world celebrate radio and how it shapes our lives.
Radio brings together people and communities from all backgrounds to foster positive dialogue for change. More specifically, radio is the perfect medium to counter the appeals for violence and the spread of conflict, especially in regions potentially more exposed to such realities. On that basis, World Radio Day 2019 will celebrate the theme of “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace” and the power of radio in promoting understanding and strong communities.
According to the 2018 Global Report "Re|shaping Cultural Policies", watching television and listening to radio remain widespread cultural activities in both developed and developing countries.
Broadcasts that provide a platform for dialogue and democratic debate over issues can help to raise awareness among listeners and inspire understanding for new perspectives in paving the way for positive action.
The radio is one of the industries with high potential to advance media diversity and enlarge the cultural choices of people, whether it is by highlighting local content or by providing a forum for often-unheard voices and their cultural expressions.
Ensuring media diversity is crucial for the promotion of the diversity of cultural expression. The media are enablers, producers, commissioners, distributors, disseminators and mediators of a vibrant array of cultural and artistic contents whatever the means and technologies used. Public service media is also one of the 11 areas for monitoring the implementation and impact of the 2005 Convention.
Radio programming can also build tolerance and surpass the differences separating groups by uniting them under common goals and causes, like ensuring education for one’s children or addressing local health concerns.
UNESCO supports and implements a number of diverse programs and other initiatives to encourage a more peaceful world.
UNESCO invites all radio stations and supporting organisations to join us for World Radio Day 2019, a chance to strengthen diversity, peace and development through their broadcasting.
