The radio we trust in a changing world

published on 2/13/24 11:55 AM

Photo: unesco.org

Today, as radio enters its second century "in the service of mankind", radio stations from all continents join World Radio Day on February 13 under the theme "Radio: a century of informing, entertaining and educating". They celebrate radio's remarkable history and its promising and fascinating future.‎

For the 11th year in a row, the date February 13 declared by UNESCO as World Radio Day is turning into an occasion for us to pay attention to the unique value of the radio medium, which continues to enjoy the greatest public trust and which is freely accessible to the widest circle of people all over the world. At the same time, radio never stops innovating and adopting new technological forms and ways of reaching its audience.

On World Radio Day, UNESCO, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the Association of European Radios and other media organizations and professional associations recall Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers". The organizations make an appeal, which is joined by the Bulgarian National Radio:

"World Radio Day 2024 marks 100 years of radio, a period in which it has become the medium that is arguably closest to human hearts and minds, providing news, entertainment and education in all corners of the world. It satisfies our need to be informed both for day-to-day decision-making and in times of emergency and crisis. Over the past century, radio has proved itself as a crucial medium in maintaining freedom of opinion and expression, often being the only one still up and running in times of crisis.

Studies have repeatedly shown that radio has the greatest trust, with most citizens rating it above television, the internet, social networks or the written press. Radio is a triumph of accessibility, immediacy and intimacy, and there’s a strong public-interest case for protecting it and our access to it.

We believe that remaining easily accessible to all people, in all places, regardless of how they receive radio means using terrestrial broadcast networks (both analogue and digital) – still relied upon by the majority of listeners globally – and fostering online access to radio that is just as democratic and open...

Information is a public good and a shared resource for all of humanity. Radio has its place in the digital transformation of the information ecosystem, complementing the internet and digital platforms...

We call upon governments, regulatory bodies, the technology and automotive industries, and all members of the global radio community to put safeguards in place to ensure that radio continues to thrive; to protect the free and unfettered access radio provides to a plurality of opinions and to trusted information; to allow radio to continue to help communities and all minority language speakers to receive information and participate in democratic processes; and to ensure radio remains available to all people regardless of their financial means or personal circumstances."

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February 13 - World Radio Day

The radio we trust in a changing world

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