(VOVworld)-February 13, 2013 has been designated by UNESCO as World Radio Day— a day to celebrate radio as a medium, improve international cooperation between broadcasters, and encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information and freedom of expression over the airwaves.

 World Radio Day seeks to raise awareness of the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through radio, and enhance networking among broadcasters. Radio has to be recognized as a low cost medium, specially suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief. There is also a changing face to radio services which, in the present times of media convergence, are taking up new technological forms, such as broadband, mobiles and tablets. However, it is said that up to a billion people still do not have access to radio today. UNESCO encourages all countries to celebrate World Radio Day by planning activities in partnership with regional, national and international broadcasters, non-governmental organizations, the media and the public.

Irina Bokova UNESCO’s Director-General, said that: “Radio changed our past. It remains a powerful force for shaping a peaceful and sustainable future for all of us.” Katherine Muller-Marin, UNESCO Representative to Viet Nam said: “Radio is a great communication medium, bringing education and information to everybody and very suitable for a learning society.”

On November 3, 2011, the 36^th General Conference of UNESCO approved the creation of World Radio Day. The initial idea came from the Spanish Academy of Radio four years ago, so, the Permanent Delegation of Spain to UNESCO formally presented the proposal at session 187 of UNESCO’s Executive Board in September, 2011. This celebration marks the day in 1946 when the newly-founded United Nations decided to launch UN Radio. Many national broadcasting centers worldwide including Radio the Voice of Vietnam have organized activities in observance of World Radio Day.