World Radio Day

World Radio Day is a global observance established by UNESCO in 2011 to highlight the unique power of radio to touch lives and bring individuals and communities together from every corner of the globe. Through this medium, billions of people are informed, educated, and entertained thus underlining its enduring relevance in today's rapidly evolving media landscape. Central to the observance is the aim to promote greater access to information through radio, to enhance networking among broadcasters, and to encourage major broadcasting stations to provide impartial and reliable information to listeners.

The relevance of World Radio Day in Australia is immense, with the country having a rich radio history dating back to the early twentieth century. For Australians, the radio has been a cornerstone of community support, lifeline during natural calamities like bushfires and floods, and a platform for meaningful discussions on indigenous rights, climate change, and other local issues. Radio thus serves as a medium for empowerment and a tool for the promotion of freedom of expression and democracy within the Australian society.

In observing World Radio Day, Australia showcases its vibrant and diversified radio landscape. Stations across the country organise a range of programs and public outreach events to recognise the impact of radio in shaping the nation's socio-cultural fabric. School children are often taught about the importance of radio as a mass communication tool and the role it plays in society. World Radio Day, celebrated annually on the 13th of February, coincides with summer in Australia and serves as an opportune time to recognise and appreciate the transformative power of radio within our diverse and multi-faceted Australian society.