Radio celebrated as a lifeline for vulnerable communities 

When radio was first invented it was primarily used to maintain contact between two or more ships at sea. 

Later it became a major source of news, weather and entertainment. 

Today it is one of the popular medium for communication because it is available to almost everybody and at any level in society. 

With the introduction of other media such as Print and Television, one would have thought that the power of radio will diminish in the world of communication, but it can still be described as a force to reckon with. 

In conflict situations and times of crisis, radio is a lifeline for vulnerable communities, according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a message to mark World Radio Day. 

The annual celebration on 13 February is organized by the UN cultural agency, UNESCO. This year's theme is "Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster". 

UNESCO says that radio has demonstrated its power during times of crisis. 

Whether it is a flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake or health emergency, people around the world turn to broadcasts for more information. 

On this year's World Radio Day, the UN is keen to prove that radio saves lives. Here's Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. 

"For people in shattered societies, or caught in catastrophe, or desperately seeking information, radio brings lifesaving information." 

The UN says that through community radio, local people can raise their voices and be heard. 


SOURCE: Ana Carmo, United Nations.