Kathmandu. Today is World Radio Day. The Day is being celebrated with various programs in different countries of the world today with the participation of radio, communication experts and broadcasters.

The Day is being celebrated since 2012 at the initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This day commemorates the establishment of the United Nations Radio Service in 1946. UNESCO has stated that it will present educational materials to the audience through ‘digital’ broadcasts in all five continents.

According to UNESCO, the purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of radio as a medium of communication, to ensure access of information to decision-makers and to encourage the use of radio and to strengthen international cooperation among broadcasters around the world.

Radio is seen as a powerful medium to celebrate the diversity of human society. Radio has been established as an important platform for democratic dialogue. Radio is still the most listened to media in the world.

Its unique ability to reach a wide audience has made radio a public platform to create a sense of diversity in society, giving all voices the opportunity to speak, be represented, and be heard.

UNESCO stresses that radio stations should present a variety of programs, perspectives and materials serving diverse communities, and also reflect the diversity of listeners in their structures and operations.

As it can be operated at a low cost, radio is considered suitable to reach remote areas and vulnerable communities. It provides an equal opportunity to participate in public debate without distinction of academic level. The role of radio is also important in the context of emergency information dissemination and disaster relief.

According to Shreeram Poudel, assistant professor at the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Tribhuvan University, radio is uniquely capable of promoting dialogue for positive change by uniting the community. He said that the radio service will help ensure that the diverse perspectives and voices needed to address common challenges while listening to the needs of the listeners and presenting content accordingly.

In a message on the occasion, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Anani stressed the need for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for public welfare.

On the occasion of World Radio Day, various radio stations and broadcasters will organize special programs, discussion forums, competitions, story collections and public awareness raising activities.

Some African countries will also host cultural programmes, interactions and film screenings, and discuss the future of radio and the impact of AI.