Today February 13, Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Radio Day. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as high as one billion people globally lack access to radio.
In a statement, ITU said it is using the occasion which is meant to celebrate the unique power of radio to also drum support for ensuring accessibility, as radio helped to shape life. The day, ITU said, is set aside to celebrate why people love radio and why it is needed today, more than ever before.
The union stressed that radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium adapting to 21st century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate.
”To make this possible, ITU continues working to enable innovation in radiocommunications, as well as ensuring that transmission standards and spectrum are available for digital radio in Medium Frequency (MF), High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) broadcasting bands.
”ITU is also ensuring that there are approved international regulatory frameworks in place to allow for a smooth migration from analogue to digital radio.
”Feb. 13, 2017 is World Radio Day – a day to celebrate radio as a medium; to improve international cooperation between broadcasters.
”It is a day to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information, freedom of expression and gender equality over the airwaves.
”Radio is the mass media reaching the widest audience in the world. It is also recognised as a powerful communication tool and a low cost medium,” it said.
