Amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine, protests in Iran, and confrontation over Taiwan, among other global instabilities, the theme for the 12th edition of World Radio Day on Monday Feb. 13 is “Radio and Peace.”
Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as an International Day in 2012, World Radio Day celebrates the power of the medium and its ability to reach audiences.
Still the most widely-consumed medium globally, the theme of “Radio and Peace” speaks to media narratives and radio’s role in providing the foundation for sustainable democracy and good governance through impartial reporting.
“In reporting and informing the general public, radio stations shape public opinion and frame a narrative that can influence domestic and international situations and decision-making processes,” explains UNESCO, going further to say radio should be viewed as an integral pillar of conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
For radio newsrooms, UNESCO says World Radio Day presents an opportunity to review editorial style, staff diversity, and other policies influencing content. Read more suggestions on how to celebrate this year’s theme here.
Those celebrating World Radio Day in Canada include Farm Radio International, which will recognize the 2023 winners of the Farm Radio Awards during a virtual event on Feb. 14. As part of the event, veteran Canadian broadcaster Lloyd Robertson will be featured, in addition to a conversation with the winner of the Liz Hughes Award on what broadcasters are doing to promote gender equality.
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