World Radio Day 2024: |14 February 2024

Celebrating a century of broadcast excellence

In the vast expanse of the digital age, where the rapid evolution of media often overshadows traditional platforms, World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and relevance of radio.

This year, the celebration takes on a special resonance as the theme ‘Radio: A century informing, entertaining, and educating’, honours a medium that has been a cornerstone of communication for over a hundred years.

The inception of radio dates back to the late 19th century, with Guglielmo Marconi's pioneering work leading to the first radio transmission in 1895. This ground-breaking technology gradually evolved from experimental transmissions to a commercial powerhouse in the early 1920s, laying the foundation for the global network of radio stations we know today. By the 1950s, radio had cemented its role as a ubiquitous element of daily life, shaping the social and cultural fabric of societies worldwide.

It was this profound impact that led the member States of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to proclaim February 13 as World Radio Day in 2011, a declaration that was later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. This international observance underscores the significant role radio plays in fostering diversity, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that all voices, irrespective of their background, have the opportunity to be heard.

Spain's proposal to Unesco’s executive board, which initiated the consultation process in 2011, highlighted radio's unparalleled ability to reach the widest audience globally, asserting its importance as a tool for information, education, and entertainment.

Unesco's subsequent proclamation of World Radio Day on the same date as the formation of United Nations Radio in 1946, further emphasises the medium's pivotal role in international communication and cooperation.

This year's theme not only reflects on the rich history of radio but also emphasises its adaptability and relevance in modern times. Despite the advent of the internet and social media, radio remains a critical source of news, drama, music, and sports for millions around the world. Its utility as a lifeline during emergencies and disasters, providing vital information and connecting communities, underscores its enduring value.

Moreover, radio continues to play a crucial role in promoting democracy and fostering connections among diverse groups, including immigrants, religious minorities, and those in poverty. It serves as a grassroots catalyst for social cohesion and collective action, proving that in an age of digital proliferation, the simplicity and accessibility of radio are its greatest strengths.

As we commemorate World Radio Day 2024, we celebrate not only a century of broadcasting but also the resilience of a medium that has continuously adapted to the changing landscape of global communication. Radio remains an essential platform for informing, entertaining, and educating the public, a beacon of stability in an ever-changing world.

In Seychelles, from its humble beginnings in the studios of Union Vale to the global phenomenon it is today, radio stands as a monument to human ingenuity and the enduring power of voice. As we look to the future, the legacy of radio as a tool for unity and progress continues to inspire and remind us of the collective journey of humanity, bound together by the airwaves that connect us all.

Speaking to Nathalie Rose, principal officer at Paradise FM, to get her comments for the day, she stated: “For Seychelles, we are making progress in the adaptation of the evolution of technology in our society for us to remain relevant. In the sense that today we are filtering our programming as we find ourselves venturing into things such as podcasting.”

She further goes on to comment that the daily mandate of radio is to entertain, educate and sensitise and modernise everything to ensure that it maintains its spot in the society.

Compiled by: Sunny Esparon