An armed conflict between countries or groups within a country may also translate into a conflict of media narratives. The narrative can either increase tensions or maintain conditions for peace. In reporting and informing the general public, radio stations shape public opinion and frame a narrative that can influence domestic and international situations and decision-making processes. Increasing radio's journalistic standards and capacity should be considered as an investment in peace.
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Statement from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Radio Day 13 February 2023“ Radio and Peace”.
Statement from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Radio Day 13 February 2023“ Radio and Peace”.
On this World Day we celebrate radio’s power to nurture and build peace.Since it was developed about a century ago, radio has proven to be an exceptional means of communication, debate and exchange – indeed, it is one of the most accessible and widespread types of media.It is these characteristics which explain why UNESCO has particularly relied on radio throughout the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, when it has been necessary to reach children and students who were out of school and especially isolated. Radiohas thus allowed us to establish an effective system of teaching over the airwaves in many countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, where less than a quarter of the population has access to the Internet, radio has enabled the continuity of learning despite the difficulties. Radio is thus very often the medium of last resort. We are seeing this again in Afghanistan, where girls and women have been suddenly and unfairly denied their right to learn, study and teach. In order to respond to this situation, which UNESCO has strongly condemned, our organization has launched, with the European Union, a major programme to support the Afghan media. The objective is to help circulate educational material, as well as material concerning health and safety, and to reach at least six million Afghans directly. Aside from being a technical instrument, the radio also provides a space where democratic debate is fostered and enriched. It is therefore essential to safeguard both the independence and the diversity of what is, in many respects, a genuine modern-day agora. This is why UNESCO, which has made freedom of the press a priority, supports community and independent radio stations around the world.On this day, UNESCO calls on everyone – listeners, radio broadcasters and audiovisualprofessionals – not only to celebrate radio’s potential, but also, and especially, to make greater use of radio as a unique instrument of peace.
UNESCO Director-General.
Radio in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding.
Radio is an important player and an essential part of maintenance and transition to peace. Professional radio addresses both the root causes and triggers of conflict, before they potentially explode into violence. It offers an alternative methodology of conflict prevention by clarifying frustrations, or clashes of interest, clearing misunderstandings, and identifying issues of distrust. This can help counter hate, the desire for revenge, or the will to take up arms.
Radio programmers’ varied collaborative techniques also reinforce a culture of dialogue by means of participatory programmes and formats, such as calls-in, talk shows, listeners’ fora, etc., and so give opportunities to discuss - on air and democratically - latent issues, including disagreements.
Professional independent radio, thus, strengthens democracy and provides the foundation for sustainable peace.
UN Peacekeeping Missions support radio stations and radio programmes in many of their host countries. Read more about the impact of UN Peacekeeping radio stations.
Radio is an important player and an essential part of maintenance and transition to peace. Professional radio addresses both the root causes and triggers of conflict, before they potentially explode into violence. It offers an alternative methodology of conflict prevention by clarifying frustrations, or clashes of interest, clearing misunderstandings, and identifying issues of distrust. This can help counter hate, the desire for revenge, or the will to take up arms.
Radio programmers’ varied collaborative techniques also reinforce a culture of dialogue by means of participatory programmes and formats, such as calls-in, talk shows, listeners’ fora, etc., and so give opportunities to discuss - on air and democratically - latent issues, including disagreements.
Professional independent radio, thus, strengthens democracy and provides the foundation for sustainable peace.
UN Peacekeeping Missions support radio stations and radio programmes in many of their host countries. Read more about the impact of UN Peacekeeping radio stations.
AUDIO-PODCATS: On February 13th, Listen to the World Radio Day 2023 audio-podcasts.
Together, let's celebrate the 12th edition of World Radio Day. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate.
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