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From ageing to modern technology, Radio – although an invisible medium – has evolved over the years and more than a century later, it remains one of the most trusted sources of information.
Through the airwaves at the speed of light, it’s intimate and enjoys the power of immediacy. Many South Africans have relied on radio to stay informed on the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are what some of the listeners had to say about the medium: “It reaches out to multiple people and it relates to us in a sense of current affairs and things happening in our communities,” says one listener.
“More especially when we have this kind of pandemic that we are in – COVID-19. If I didn’t listen to the radio, I could have never known about the vaccine. I could have never known about the prevention and so forth,” explains another.
This Saturday the global community celebrates World Radio Day – proclaimed by UNESCO in November 2011.
13 February is #WorldRadioDay!
Amid the #COVID19 crisis, #radio has shown its capacity to bring us information & knowledge when we needed it the most. Let’s celebrate today the power of radio!
Spread the word & RT.
Happy World Radio Day!
? https://t.co/sevl6BsCNk pic.twitter.com/WGg7HfnXQ9
— UNESCO ?️ #Education #Sciences #Culture ??? (@UNESCO) February 13, 2021
The primary goal of radio is to educate, entertain and inform the masses. Motheo FM presenter Mami Majola says, “I learn a lot from radio. I learn different cultures, I learn different people, different religions and everything.”
Radio is about companionship and the emotional connection with the listener. Lesedi FM Presenter, Tholoana Moletsane says, “Everyday I make it a point that I change just one person’s life; that means a lot to me as a radio presenter.”
Advances in technology have given people a slew of ways to access radio. Motheo FM Presenter Leroy Mkhumbeni says, “Certain places overseas give out free WiFi. It’s just that in South Africa you have to buy data. So, that’s why online radio stations are slowly but surely getting there.”
Radio has undoubtedly proved its worth in times of emergency. It has carved a special place in the hearts of rich and poor. Regardless of evolution, radio is here to stay.
?Television
?The internet
?Social media
All these should have gotten the better of it.
Yet, radio continues to broadcast & echo what is happening in the world today.
??Happy #WorldRadioDay! ??
ℹ️ @UNESCOCourier: https://t.co/BKLlrk4DPd pic.twitter.com/4VGvQpnIZ9
— UNESCO ?️ #Education #Sciences #Culture ??? (@UNESCO) February 13, 2021
