The world celebrates World Radio Day on 13th February.
World Radio Day was established in 1946. It was proposed by the Director-General of UNESCO. The objectives of the Day would be to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters
Radio is the mass media reaching the widest audience in the world. It is also recognized as a powerful communication tool and a low-cost medium. Radio is specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief.
There is also a changing face to radio services which, in the present times of media convergence, are taking up new technological forms, such as broadband, mobiles, and mobile phones. However, a report by United Nations says that up to a billion people still do not have access to radio today.
In Kenya, Radio is the pioneer of communication media and was the only source of news. The Kenya Broadcasting Channel (KBC) was the first radio station to be established by the government.
In early years, radio was used to pass government agendas, announcements and to pass the state of the nation. However, radio became a powerful tool and was used in spreading propaganda and incitement. In the 2007 post-election violence, radio was used as an incitement platform and the results were fatal.
The radio on a good side has helped communities in form of education on health, human rights, agriculture and as a form of entertainment.