Africa-Press – Namibia. DESPITE its relevance being threatened by technological advances, radio remains an important medium to share information, Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s representative to Namibia says.
He was speaking at the 12th World Radio Day celebration in Windhoek yesterday.
“Radio has not lost its significance to technology. In fact, its evolving accessibility, low-cost and high-impact calls for conflict-sensitive radio practices and solution-oriented journalism are improving social discourse and understanding among communities,” Moussa-Elkadhum said.
He said radio must continue to base its journalism on verifiable information that is shared in the public interest to progress as a development and peace-making agent.
“I urge everyone to continue to support radio in recognition of its important role to foster and sustain peace, especially now when we see conflicts arising easily between nations and communities,” he said.
Bridging between traditional and state-of-the-art technologies, radio now offers a variety of content through different devices and formats, Moussa-Elkadhum said.
He said Unesco focuses on the importance of supporting radio through capacity building for increased professionalism, adequate legislation and regulation, assistance for digital transition, financial viability, and respect for editorial independence
World Radio Day has been celebrated annually on 13 February for the past 12 years. The theme for this year was ‘Radio and Peace’.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Emma Theophilus, minister of information and communications technology Peya Mushelenga said radio brings communities and individuals from all walks of life together to promote constructive dialogue for change.
“More specifically, radio is the ideal medium for resolving conflicts by fostering mutual understanding and exposing oneself to other points of view,” he said.
He said radio must be used destructively as it could also serve as a tool to create tension and animosity among citizens.
Mushelenga said there is a need for all radio personalities and the public to use radio as a medium of communication wisely in a manner that informs, educates and entertains communities on issues related to developmental projects, policies and programmes.
“Radio must remain an authentic source of information, reporting on facts and matters that contribute to nation building,” he said.
Mushelenga further emphasised the importance of community radio, particularly delivered in indigenous languages.
He said many people in these communities do not understand or converse in English, and have little to no literacy skills.
“Therefore, radio programmes in the languages they understand become their only medium of communication and trusted source of information. It highlights the [enormous] responsibility radio plays in the lives of all Namibians,” Mushelenga said.
Mushelenga said radio remains accessible to remote communities which are challenged with limited access to television, social media platforms and print media.
“Using radio as a medium of communication places it at a very competitive advantage because of its wide and unlimited reach,” he said.
Mushelenga said his ministry is also finalising the Community Media Policy Framework, which aims to strengthen the development of community media in the country.
The world’s first-ever radio transmission took place on 13 May 1897 thanks to Italian physicist and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi.
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