The theme of 2015 World Radio Day is Youth and Radio. So, next in a Radio Bulgaria vox populi we try to find out about what young people think about this country's oldest broadcast media outlet.

The internet and mobile technology allow for broadening of potential radio audiences. This is of relevance for those who have no time to receive information from other sources such as Desislava, 20:

„As a young mother radio is a great option mostly because of its mobility. I can listen to it in the car or via my phone while my child is asleep. This is a good way to listen to the news as well as to various discussions and interviews.”

Ivan Radev is a freelance journalist and keeping abreast of news stories and developments is of great professional importance to him:

„I often listen to radio broadcasts. Unlike TV, radio does not try to think instead of listeners. We know that a great many people think with their TV sets not with their heads. Radio is different: it keeps us informed but never claims the responsibility of listeners to think on their own. I listen to internet radio too, but I still prefer it the old way.”

Ivan, 33, contends that both his generation and younger ones love listening to radio stations. The death of radio has been a topic in the air since the emergence of television. Now we can see that even though the internet has triumphantly entered our lives, radio has gained new opportunities to develop. Ivan argues that in Bulgaria music and entertainment radio stations are dominant and eclipse news-focused ones.

This looks pretty normal for young people, as radio provides access to the latest from Bulgarian and foreign pop and rock music, and youth is keen on entertainment. The participants in Radio Bulgaria's vox pop said they like to call their radio stations to ask for a favorite song, greet a friend and talk on the air about topics that interest them. Others join radio quizzes and competitions and win prizes. In the meantime, radio is also committed to stirring the imagination, making people think twice about various topics and urging them to share information.

Simeon tells us he grew up in a small town where radio provided almost all the entertainment around.

„There was a radio set in every house then and we gathered to listen to children's shows. With time I also became interested in a lot more topics about the world, life, traditions and music. My family love Bulgarian folk music and back at that time the radio was the only source of this lovely music.”

Have things changed since then and has radio remained part of Simeon's life? 

“For many years now radio has been a source of news and entertainment. I am a farmer and I listen to thematic programs, as well as to newscasts. I love to listen, so radio suits me perfectly well.”

Listeners' satisfaction with radio implies it has found its audience and has attained its targets. On the one hand, radio is committed to keeping up the young and fresh spirit of listeners. On the other, their feedback helps radio keep its newsworthiness and youthfulness as time goes by and technology transforms the world.

English Daniela Konstantinova