World Radio Day 2020

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The heart of this Day, promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is the importance of diversity.

The first message broadcast by UN Radio was on 13 February 1946. More than 70 years have passed since then, full of changes in communication and technology up to the arrival of the Internet and the subsequent digital revolution, which has influenced all the media. “Among these media,” says UNESCO President, Audrey Azoulay, “the radio remains a powerful means to celebrate humanity and constitutes an important platform for democracy.”

Radio is, in fact, the most used means of communication on the global level, even though many people are not aware of this. Ms. Azoulay underscores that the radio’s unique ability to reach the public can shape the experience of diversity in society, allowing all voices to express themselves, to be represented and listened to in a world crossed by strong drives that disrupt the peaceful and supportive coexistence of peoples.

The radio continues to play an important role today, she affirms, as a promoter of shared democratic values and principles.