Celebrating World Radio Day

World Radio Day is celebrated every year on 13 February to recognise the importance of radio as a tool for information, culture, and communication. On a global scale, radio continues to be the most widely consumed medium. Because it can reach such large and varied audiences, it plays an important role in reflecting social diversity and providing a platform where different voices can be expressed, represented, and heard.

Origins of the Celebration

World Radio Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an official international observance. The date of 13 February was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the launch of United Nations Radio in 1946.

The initiative for the day originally came from the Spanish Radio Academy, which proposed the idea to UNESCO. After gaining support from broadcasting organisations worldwide, the proposal was approved and turned into a global celebration of radio.

A Brief Note on Radio’s History

Radio technology emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the development of wireless communication systems. By the 1920s, it had become a popular medium for news, entertainment, and cultural programmes. Over time, radio adapted to new technologies such as FM broadcasting, digital transmission, internet streaming, and podcasts, ensuring its continued relevance.

Internet radio first appeared in the early 1990s, when pioneering stations began broadcasting audio over the web, and it later expanded rapidly with the growth of broadband and mobile devices.

Guides like How to Start an Internet Radio Station: A Step-by-Step Guide illustrate how creators today can reach global audiences, expanding radio’s reach and impact beyond traditional airwaves, even if they are not professional broadcasters.

Annual Themes and Global Activities

Each year, UNESCO selects a theme that reflects current issues in broadcasting. These themes have included topics such as diversity, youth, sport, climate change, and the digital transformation of radio.

The celebration often involves free resources such as toolkits, guides, and educational materials, along with international collaborations between stations, special radio programmes, and interviews.

In recent editions, the focus has also included the role of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of broadcasting.

World Radio Day 2026

The theme for World Radio Day 2026 is “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.” It highlights how new technologies are changing the way radio is produced and experienced, while still emphasising the importance of human creativity and trust.

Artificial intelligence can help stations work more efficiently by taking over routine tasks such as scheduling, voice-tracking, and daily updates. This gives radio teams more time to focus on what matters most: informing, educating, and entertaining their audiences. AI can also help broadcasters better understand listeners, create more relevant content, and offer more personalised experiences.

At the same time, the theme stresses the need for a careful and ethical approach. Broadcasters are encouraged to protect privacy, respect intellectual property, and be transparent about how AI is used. Human judgement should remain central, especially when it comes to accuracy, editorial decisions, and maintaining public trust.

World Radio Day reminds us of the unique role radio plays in informing, connecting, and inspiring people everywhere. Its strength lies in giving a voice to communities and bringing audiences together, no matter where they are.

At Airtime Pro, we believe radio remains a powerful tool to inform, connect, and inspire communities around the world. We’re proud to support broadcasters in running their online radio stations smoothly and reaching their audiences through our innovative internet radio broadcasting platform.