Radio: Pluralism, Representation, Diversity
Radio Statistics
There are about 44,000 radio stations worldwide.
Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. At the global level, radio remains the most widely consumed medium. This unique ability to reach out the widest audience means radio can shape a society’s experience of diversity, stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. Radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations.
Radio is a low-cost medium specifically suited to reaching remote communities and vulnerable people, offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. It also plays a crucial role in emergency communication and disaster relief.
Radio is uniquely positioned to bring communities together and foster positive dialogue for change. By listening to its audiences and responding to their needs, radio services provide the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we all face.
For World Radio Day 2020, UNESCO calls on radio stations to uphold diversity, both in their newsroom and on the airwaves.
Even with the onslaught of technologies, the Radio is indispensable because
It’s very personal medium,
Cost-effective
Radio saves lives in emergencies quickly than any other medium
Radio is mobile
Radio reaches everyone
It’s a tech-independent and device-independent idea
Single frequency broadcast can reach hundreds of miles
It’s a great tool to enjoy music while driving
by
Srini
Note: This is a tribute to Sri C.R. Ramaswamy, former Deputy Director General, All India Radio.