World Radio Day

World Radio Day is celebrated on 13 February every year to spread awareness about the role of the radio in spreading relevant communication. Radio has always been one of the most trustworthy mediums of communication worldwide. Recognizing this crucial fact, UNESCO and UN General Assembly established World Radio Day in 2011.

Despite the rise of modern technology, radio still hasn't lost its place in the hearts of millions of people. It has proved its usefulness during hard times for over 110 years of its existence. Find more about World Radio Day, its history, and its theme here.

About World Radio Day 2023

World Radio Day is celebrated to mark the significance of the radio - a device that is much more than just a broadcasting platform. It has been used as the most trusted source of news for decades. To celebrate the contribution of radio to our society, UNESCO has designated 13 February as World Radio Day.

The first World Radio Day was celebrated in 2012 and since then, it has become a global phenomenon. People from all over the world celebrate this day by participating in events and spreading awareness about the importance of radios.

World Radio Day 2023 Theme

This year, the 12th edition of Radio Day will be celebrated around the world on 13 February. Each year, we have a different theme for this day around which the celebrations take place. The World Radio Day 2023 theme is “Radio and Peace”. This theme is focused on highlighting the part that radio plays in initiating democratic and peaceful discourse.

Last year, the World Radio Day theme 2022 was “Radio and Trust”. It was divided into three sub-themes: Trust in Radio Journalism, Trust and Accessibility, and Trust and Viability of Radio Stations.

Previous Year’s World Radio Day Themes

Check out all the previous year’s World Radio Day themes here. We have listed the World Radio Day themes from 2014 to 2023 in the table shared below.

Significance of Radio Day

We celebrate World Radio Day to acknowledge the fact that the radio has played a significant role in our previous generations and will continue to do the same in the future despite the rise of modern technology. Here are some of the reasons why Radio Day is a significant event:

• It reminds people that sports commentary, news, educational programs, music pretty much everything one can think of came on the radio.
• When disaster strikes; turning on the radio is the first thing that comes to one's mind as it provides psycho-social support to the survivors.
• So many people still use the radio to get news updates or even listen to music.

History of World Radio Day

The history of Radio Day can be traced back to 2011 when UNESCO and the United Nations General Assembly established this day. The date 13 February was chosen for the celebration of this day by UNESCO in 2011, at their 36th conference. On the same day in 1946, the United Nation's international broadcasting service was established.

World Radio Day reminds us of the importance of the radio and what we have achieved with it. Now that we have television, social media, and well-development modes of communication all over the world, we often forget how far we have come in such a short time. However, World Radio Day reminds us that the radio has always been an important medium of communication.

History of the Radio

• On World Radio Day, we must remember that the invention of the radio involved several great minds of science. 
• Nikola Tesla invented the wireless radio back in 1893 but the credit for the same went to Guglielmo Marconi in 1896. 
• Other scientists such as James Clerk Maxwell, Henrich Rudolf Hertz, and others, were a part of this timeless invention.

First World Radio Day

The first World Radio Day was celebrated in 2012, a year after UNESCO established the day in 2011. On this day, countries from around the world hosted several events, including

• A seminar in London, hosted by Empowerhouse, Frontline SMS, SOAS Radio and Lifeline Energy.
• College of Telecommunications Engineers of Catalunya (COETTC) held a public event in Barcelona, Spain, on the first Radio Day.
• In Switzerland, the first World Radio Week was announced.

FAQs on World Radio Day

Q1. Why do we celebrate World Radio Day?

We celebrate World Radio Day to acknowledge the impact of the radio as a medium of communication on people. The radio was one of the first sources of communicating and broadcasting news to the masses. Therefore, Radio Day is celebrated every year to honour this invention.

Q2. What is the theme for World Radio Day 2023?

World Radio Day 2023 theme is Radio and Peace. This theme is focused on emphasizing the fact that radio can be used as an effective medium in times of disruption and chaos. It can be a fruitful medium to initiate peaceful discourse. Every year, a new theme is announced for Radio Day.

Q3. Who established World Radio Day?

UNESCO established World Radio Day in 2011. At their 36th conference, UNESCO, in support of the United Nations General Assembly, proclaimed that 13 February will be celebrated as Radio Day every year. On 13 February, the UN’s first international broadcasting service was established.

Q4. Which day is celebrated on 13 February?

World Radio Day is celebrated on 13 February. This day commemorates the day on which the United Nation’s first international broadcasting service was established. World Radio Day is an occasion to remember the contributions of the radio as an effective device of communication.

Q5. What was the theme of World Radio Day 2022?

World Radio Day theme 2022 was “Radio and Trust”. It was divided into three sub-themes: Trust in Radio Journalism, Trust and Accessibility, and Trust and Viability of Radio Stations. Every year, a new theme is chosen for World Radio Day, around which the celebrations and events are planned.