World Radio Day 2021: History, theme, significance, everything you need to know

New Delhi: World Radio Day is globally celebrated on February 13 for an all-important medium that existed even before television sets and computers made their way into our lives. On November 3, 2011, UNESCO decided during its 36th conference that a day will be dedicated to the humble radio and its importance.

According to UNESCO, the radio still continues to be the most widely consumed medium of communication across the globe.

History

The day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 and ever since it has gained the status of an international day. Another reason to celebrate this medium is because,  on this day, the United Nations radio was established back in 1946.

The UN General Assembly officially endorses UNESCO’s proposal to make this day ‘World Radio Day on January 14, 2013.

A variety of events are organized across the globe to mark this very special day. These events include seminars and discussions on the significance and history of radio.

Theme

This year, the theme of World Radio Day has been divided into three sub-themes namely, evolution, innovation, and connection. 2021 also marks the tenth anniversary of World Radio Day.

Evolution: The world changes, radio evolves. This sub-theme refers to the resilience of the radio, to its sustainability.
Innovation: The world changes, radio adapts and innovates. Radio has had to adapt to new technologies to remain the go-to medium of mobility, accessible everywhere and to everyone.
Connection: The world changes, radio connects. This sub-theme highlights radio’s services to our society—natural disasters, socio-economic crises, epidemics, etc.

Significance

The significance of the day stems from how dynamic and versatile the medium is. At a time, when the internet holds more precedence over the radio, it becomes all the more important to understand why and how its reach across all platforms has a global impact.

In India, the day is being celebrated in partnership with Seeking Modern Applications for Real Transformation (SMART), and with support from All India Radio.