Today is World Radio Day. It is a global celebration of the enduring power and influence of radio as a means of communication, education and entertainment.
Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2011 and officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this day highlights the unique ability of radio to connect people, share stories, and foster dialogue across cultures and communities.
World Radio Day was declared around the world to sustain its relevance and encourage everyone to utilise it.
Voices of communities
The SABC’s 18 radio stations, catering to 11 official languages, play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of communities most affected by climate change like rural and vulnerable communities.
Ukhozi FM’s Dudu Khoza speaks to the importance of dispelling superstitions with facts about climate change. “We are advocates of change, and what I have noticed is that there is a lot that needs to be done to educate and inform to change their beliefs and ideologies as people use old practices that when there is lightning they cover mirrors. It’s not a stigma or belief but to try and match the position that we are in now and we need to move with the times and there are so many things that we tell when it comes to climate change.”
Journalist’s role
Lotus FM’s Taresh Harreeparshad speaks to the role journalists play in taking complex concepts and simplying it for the benefit of the listener.
“I think it is very important to take complex concepts like climate change, I think in KZN’s perspective we have been seeing that play out a lot with the torrential downfall we have been seeing. To dissect that science, put that piece of information to disseminate to the public so that they can learn about the real threats that climate change poses to them. We have been effectively doing that on the radio because we do it concisely, we gonna do it simply.”
The immediate medium was invented in the early 19th century, using sound waves and signals to deliver messages. Radio remains a vital medium for spreading awareness, entertaining and educating audiences.
This year’s theme, Radio and Climate Change, is said to incorporate radio as a power medium to reach diverse audiences and disseminate crucial information on climate-related issues.
