The first World Radio Day was celebrated on 13 February 2012. The date was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate the importance of radio as a uniquely valuable means of communication which remains easily available to the general population.
UNESCO established this first World Radio Day as an opportunity to recognize the transformational power of radio, which has proved itself adaptable to multiple technological platforms, including broadband internet and mobile devices and which has become ever more digitised, democratised and personalised. Radio is a cheap and relatively simple technology which is widely accessible. This gives radio unparalleled reach to all parts of the world and all members of societies and provides a strong connection with remote communities and marginalised groups, especially as a channel for education..
In a quickly changing world, it is UNESCO's view that we must make the most of radio’s ability as a powerful platform to connect people and societies, and as a fundamental medium for sharing knowledge and information and strengthening understanding.
According to Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, "free, independent and pluralistic radio is essential for healthy societies" and "vital for advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms", adding that "radio is one of the most powerful ways to build bridges of respect and understanding".
In Portugal, the first World Radio Day was marked with the announcement of new studies and research projects and an event to debate the main issues surrounding radio. The event was organised by Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas (Institute for Social and Political Sciences) of the Technical University of Lisbon (UTL).
Further information:
- Joint Message of the Director-General of UNESCO and Secretary-General of International Telecommunication Union http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/world-radio-day/joint-message-of-the-director-general-of-unesco-and-secretary-general-of-international-telecommunication-union/
- World Radio Day 2012 - Celebrations http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/world-radio-day/unescos-celebrations-of-the-world-radio-day/
- 1º dia mundial da rádio comemora-se em Lisboa http://worldradioday.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/1o-dia-mundial-da-radio-comemora-se-em-lisboa/
