Radio offers these communities a platform to intervene in public debate, irrespective of their educational level. It provides an opportunity to participate in policy and decision-making processes, and to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expression.
The impact of radio is at different levels: it is an essential tool in times of disaster management as an effective medium to reach affected people when other means of communication are disrupted; it is a way of promoting gender equality by providing rural women access to knowledge and support; finally, it is inclusive, engaging youth in the media as catalysts of change.
The audience is at the heart of the broadcast.
Hence, it plays an important role in empowering communities around the world, bringing people together and fostering positive dialogue for change. It gives a voice to the voiceless and serves as a source for human rights and dignity and as a powerful enabler of solutions to challenges.
Taking forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is important to advancing fundamental freedoms, and promoting public access to information is essential to encouraging good governance and the rule of law; in responding to climate change, in countering discrimination, radio can provide an accessible and real-time medium to bridge divides and strengthen dialogue.
Today, we celebrate World Radio Day that is observed every Feb 13. The objective of this day is to raise greater awareness among the public and media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision-makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters.
This year, Unesco’s commemoration is a call for greater participation of audiences and communities in the policy and planning of radio broadcasting. More than simple on-air interaction, public participation should include mechanisms such as audience engagement policies, public editors and ombudspersons, listener forums and complaints resolution procedures. The theme for 2017 World Radio Day is: “Radio is YOU!” It will be an important year for reviewing how we communicate with each other.
By listening to its audiences and responding to their needs, radio can provide the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we face. World Radio Day 2017 is a chance for all of us who are involved in radio to celebrate a dynamic, real-time medium and how this helps shape our lives.
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