Latin America. Since 2011, UNESCO declared every February 13 as the date to commemorate World Radio Day, which this year joins the 110 years of the existence of radio.
For 2021, the theme of the celebration is New World, New Radio, which recalls how this medium is part of the history of humanity by following the various events of our society and adapting its services.
Unesco highlights that during the Covid 19 pandemic, radio allowed, for example, to ensure the continuity of education, fight against disinformation and promote barrier gestures.
"New World, New Radio is therefore an ode to the resistance of radio. It is a tribute to their perpetual ability to adapt to the rhythm of the transformations of society and the new needs of listeners. Accessible anywhere, anytime, radio reaches a wide audience. It is presented as an arena where all voices can be expressed, represented and heard, so radio remains the most consumed medium worldwide today, "said the organization.
Three themes were taken into account for the celebration of Radio Day in 2021:
EVOLUTION. The world changes, radio evolves. It refers to the resistance of the radio, to its sustainability. Radio has accompanied historical moments, such as moments that are personal to us. Broadcasts and public talks marked an era. Voices and music have accompanied our daily lives. The debates opened our minds. Radio has followed the changes in our world for more than a century, evolving with it. She is still the witness and the transmitter.
INNOVATION. The world changes, radio adapts and innovates. Radio has had to adapt to new technologies to remain the means of mobility, accessible everywhere and for everyone. While yesterday's radio was simply a transistor on our kitchen tables, today the radio follows us on every one of our journeys thanks to smartphones. Technological progress and digitalization have made it possible for radio to adapt to our new behaviors and lifestyles. Radio is no longer just a means of sound: today, radio is heard on television, and television is heard on the radio.
CONNECTION. The world changes, the radio connects. It highlights radio services for our society: natural disasters, socio-economic crises, epidemics, etc. No matter the events, the radio connects us to forge or maintain bonds. Public service announcements, alerts and broadcasts, which ensure continuity of teaching, are examples of the services provided and the solutions offered by radio to better meet the needs of listeners.
