News Director’s Note:
World Radio Day, celebrated every February 13, was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The date was chosen to commemorate the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946, a milestone that highlighted radio’s role in fostering international communication and cooperation. Since then, World Radio Day has become a global observance, reminding societies of the enduring importance of radio as a medium for information, education, and entertainment. Its establishment underscores the recognition of radio as one of the oldest and most influential forms of mass communication.
Radio holds a unique place in media history as the oldest electronic medium that connected people across vast distances. In the early 20th century, radio broadcasts became the primary source of news, music, and cultural exchange, shaping public opinion and national identity. Unlike print, radio could reach illiterate populations, and unlike television, it was accessible even in remote areas with limited infrastructure. This accessibility made radio a powerful tool for education, disaster response, and community building. Its legacy as a democratizing force in communication remains unmatched.
The significance of radio lies in its ability to remain relevant despite the rise of newer technologies. Even today, radio continues to be the most widely consumed medium globally, reaching billions of listeners. It is particularly effective in rural and vulnerable communities where internet access is limited. Radio’s portability, affordability, and immediacy make it indispensable during emergencies, natural disasters, and public health campaigns. Its resilience demonstrates that radio is not merely a relic of the past but a living, adaptive medium.
The question of whether broadcast media is dying often arises in the digital age. While traditional formats like print newspapers have seen steep declines, radio has shown remarkable endurance. Rather than disappearing, radio has evolved by integrating with digital platforms, streaming services, and podcasts. This adaptability has allowed radio to maintain its audience while expanding into new markets. Far from dying, broadcast media is undergoing transformation, with radio at the forefront of hybrid communication models.
The future of the radio industry in the internet era is promising, though it requires innovation. Online streaming, mobile apps, and smart speakers have opened new avenues for radio stations to reach global audiences. Artificial Intelligence, the theme of World Radio Day 2026, plays a role in enhancing radio operations through automated scheduling, real-time transcription, and archival discovery. Yet, the human voice remains central, ensuring that radio retains its authenticity and emotional connection with listeners. The industry’s challenge is to balance technological advancement with human storytelling.
For people working in radio stations, like us, the internet era brings both opportunities and challenges. Broadcasters must adapt to new tools, learn digital skills, and embrace multimedia formats. However, their role as trusted voices in communities remains vital. Radio professionals continue to provide local context, cultural relevance, and immediacy that algorithms cannot replicate. Their work ensures that radio remains a human-centered medium, even as technology reshapes its delivery.
World Radio Day 2026, with the theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence,” emphasizes that AI is a tool, not a voice. This message reinforces the idea that while technology can support broadcasters, it cannot replace the human connection that radio provides. The celebration highlights radio’s adaptability, its enduring relevance, and its role in bridging divides across societies. By honoring radio’s past and embracing its future, the observance encourages continued investment in this resilient medium.
In summary, radio’s history, significance, and adaptability prove that it remains a cornerstone of global communication. From its establishment as the oldest broadcast medium to its integration with digital platforms, radio has consistently evolved to meet the needs of society. As the industry embraces AI and internet technologies, the human voice continues to define its essence. Stations like Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro, exemplify this resilience, thriving as one of the most trusted sources of news and information in the Philippines, and proving that radio is far from obsolete, it is a medium still lighting the way.
