adio remains one of the primary sources of information for people worldwide, a medium that reaches the widest audience in the quickest possible time. It remains an effective platform for providing information, educating people, allowing expression across cultures and playing favourite music. No matter how advanced technology becomes, radio remains a popular and irreplaceable means of communication, especially during the occurrence of natural or man-made disasters.

The arrival of mobile phones has changed the consumption habits of millions, but many come with built-in radio chips and this has helped keep the radio industry effective more than 120 years after the first radio broadcast.

UNESCO has reported that 44,000 radio stations broadcast to five billion people, or roughly 70 per cent of the world. In developing countries, an estimated 75 per cent of households have access to a radio, making it an essential and reliable part of emergency response. In the USA alone, over 272 million people listen to the radio every week, the top reach medium that touches more individuals than any other device.

World Radio Day is celebrated on February 13 each year. The day was decided by UNESCO on November 3, 2011, during its 36th conference. It acknowledges the unique power of radio as a medium of information, education, entertainment and connection. The objectives of the day are to raise awareness among the general public and the media about the value of public service audio; to encourage decision-makers to promote free, independent and multicultural radio; and to strengthen........

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