(VOVworld) – The Voice of Vietnam and radio stations worldwide have celebrated the 4th World Radio Day, which acknowledges radio’s contributions to social life. World Radio Day on February 13, 2015, themed “Youth and Radio” is a venue for young people to exchange ideas, voice their opinions, promote innovation, and create new energy for radio.
Radio has maintained such vitality and strength that no other media can replace it. Radio is a fast, direct, and convenient information channel for all people. Radio penetrates every corner of society, connects people in urban and rural areas, in lowlands and mountains, and ensures equal access to information for all localities and social strata.
The role of radio in life
Amid growing information technologies and multimedia, radio has affirmed its importance because it can spread information to the public anytime and anywhere. Even illiterate people can access radio information.
To catch up with society’s information demand, VOV has developed into a multimedia house providing radio, TV, and print and online newspapers. VOV is an influential and prestigious broadcast station in Vietnam and the region. Many listeners consider VOV their companion. Nguyen Bich Hanh is a tailor in Cau Giay, Hanoi. Her busy job keeps her away from other media, but not radio.“Information on VOV is precise and fast. I listen to radio every day. I don’t have time to read newspapers, but I listen to radio while working. The presenters are easy to understand.”
Some of VOV’s programs have become familiar to listeners. They include “5PM venue” and “Hot current affairs” of the News and Current Affairs channel VOV1, “Welcoming guests” and “Waiting for the end” of the Cultural and Social Affairs channel VOV2, “Vpop on the move” of the Music, Information, and Entertainment channel VOV3, “Connect 54” of the Ethnic Languages channel VOV4, and programs to introduce Vietnam, its land and people to the world of the National External Information Service VOV5. In the coming years, VOV will establish a 24/7 English channel and a new FM program called “Emotions”, expand the national traffic channel, and complete the national ethnic language radio channel project.
Radio and youth
Youth are the vanguard force and future masters of any nation. They are always eager to learn but there aren’t many reliable channels to provide them accurate information. UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam Katherine Muller Marin said:
Vietnam is in a golden population period as the number of people from 10 to 30 years old accounts for 40% of the population. Consequently, VOV considers the young to be its main target audience. VOV President Nguyen Dang Tien said: “VOV has produced many new programs for promoting radio and online. In addition to youth union affairs, VOV reserves part of its airtime for promoting healthy lifestyles and teaching life skills to approximately 40 million young people across Vietnam through interactive, discussion, and talk shows.”
VOV will continue to make radio an effective and innovative tool for delivering fast, accurate information.