In conflict and in times of crisis, radio becomes a lifeline for vulnerable populations.
8th UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
World Radio Day has been celebrated annually on February 13, starting in 2012, by decision of the UNESCO General Conference. In January 2013, the UN General Assembly officially approved the proclamation of the Day and during the 67th session adopted a resolution declaring February 13 as World Radio Day.
The date was not chosen by chance — It was February 13, 1946 that «Radio UN», whose station was located at the headquarters of the United Nations, first went on air.
As the founders of the holiday say, it should not only pay tribute to radio as a means of communication, but also serve to strengthen cooperation between all those involved in radio (whether large radio broadcasters or amateur singles), and also contribute to both international media and local radio stations in expanding access to information and promoting freedom of expression and gender equality in the wake of radio. Indeed, in the age of digital technology, radio continues to be a means of communication and communication for the largest audience in the world.
It is a generally recognized means of communication that has great capabilities and requires low costs. Radio reaches the most remote communities and the most vulnerable groups of the population: illiterate people and people with disabilities, the poorest population, women and youth, giving them the opportunity to participate in public discussions regardless of their level of education.
In addition, shortwave broadcasting is often called «radio crisis», since such broadcasting – is the most effective way to transmit information when there is no electricity, no Internet, no telephone. Moreover, radio plays an outstanding role in emergency situations by facilitating disaster relief.
Recent world events and the COVID-19 pandemic have undermined media credibility in general, helped by the spread of false information on social media. But while research shows a global decline in trust in the Internet and social networks, it shows an increase in trust in news. And many people still trust radio more than any other media.
Therefore, UNESCO calls on all countries to take an active part in World Radio Day, which every year is held under a certain motto.
In honor of this holiday, many countries organize a variety of events with the participation of radio broadcasters, other media, governmental and non-governmental organizations and the general public. Also on this day, it is not shameful for any radio amateur to send as many congratulatory radiograms as possible to his fellow hobbies all over the world.
In addition to World Radio Day, fans of this type of communication also celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. It falls on April 18 — on this day in 1925, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was created in Paris, which initiated the holiday.
In some countries, including Russia, Radio Day — is also celebrated, a date more familiar to Russians than World Radio Day and International Amateur Radio Day. Radio Day is celebrated on May 7th. It was on this day in 1895 that Russian physicist Alexander Popov conducted his first radio communication session.
Postcard «February 13 — World Radio Day»