World Radio Day

World Radio Day History

World Radio Day highlights the importance and impact of radio in societies across the world. It has a crucial role in disseminating information, nurturing cultural diversity and promoting dialogue. The day recognises the unique ability of radio to reach out to the farthest corners of the world, making it a powerful and low-cost medium of discourse. It provides a platform for people regardless of their educational level, promoting the right to information and freedom of expression.

World Radio Day, proclaimed in 2011 by the member states of UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, has a particular relevance to New Zealand. The history of radio in New Zealand dates back to the start of the 20th century with the first radio broadcast taking place in 1921. It played a crucial role in connecting the country's dispersed population, particularly in remote areas. Over the years, it has diversified into a vibrant platform for communicating local issues, indigenous culture, and language, reflecting the country's unique identity and cultural diversity.

In New Zealand, World Radio Day is observed by various community, public, and online radio stations acknowledging their role in fostering dialogue, tolerance and peace. Events such as discussions, interviews, and special broadcasts about radio's role and development occur. The day, celebrated annually on February 13, brings a great opportunity to appreciate the value of radio in our lives, and how this communication tool aids New Zealand in being an informed and connected society.

Facts about World Radio Day

• The theme for World Radio Day in 2024 was Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating. In 2023, the theme was Radio and Peace.
• The Radio was invented by an Italian named Guglielmo Marconi in 1895. It was originally called the wireless telegraph and used radio waves to transmit Morse code.
• According to the Pew Research Center, in 2023, the United States had the highest number of broadcasting radio stations with over 24,000 stations.
• The first Maori-language radio station, Te Reo O Poneke, began broadcasting in Wellington in 1983. From 1990, a nationwide Maori radio network, iwi radio, was initiated, which increased the number of Maori radio stations countrywide. Today, New Zealand has around 20 Maori radio stations.
• New Zealand's public service broadcaster, Radio New Zealand (RNZ), has been playing a crucial role in sharing news, information, and entertainment since its inception in 1947.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Radio Day

Top things to do in NZ for World Radio Day

• Learn Morse Code. The radio was originally invented to pass on Morse code message through radio waves.
• Learn about some of the issues surrounding freedom of speech and government control of radios around the world. Read up on recent problems in Zimbabwe and Somalia regarding government control.
• Plan a Radio Day event involving important issues such as human rights, freedom of speech and international broadcasting. Let UNESCO know what you have planned for World Radio Day and they will put it on their world map so that others can find you and get involved!
• Attend Special Talks or Seminars - Some arts or community centers may host special discussions or presentations on the history and impact of radio.
• Radio interview special: New Zealand radio stations often air special interviews and programs that celebrate World Radio Day. These may include interviews with radio personalities or retrospectives on the history of radio.