Buddhist monks at a monastery in Monywa, northwestern Myanmar, listen to radio news cast from Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 (AP)
Today is World Radio, and BBG would like to celebrate our radio broadcasters as they work to provide news and information to those who need it most.
In 2012, our broadcasters produced thousands of hours of radio programming to 96 million people around the globe, many of whom live in oppressive societies and who depend on us for news and information.
BBG and its broadcasters need to be flexible and adapt rapidly to developments in communication technologies and the censorship efforts of hostile regimes. In addition to short wave and AM/FM frequencies, programming is distributed in non-conventional ways, such as over satellite, streaming audio on the Internet, podcasts and even thumb drives! Our broadcasters also use social media, email and SMS to further engage their audiences in issues that affect them.
World Radio Day is also a day to promote access to information and freedom of expression over the airwaves. As enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ‘Everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.’
Our journalists are on the front lines in the fight for media freedom in their countries and often put themselves at great risk to do their jobs.
Throughout the day today we’ll be posting links, facts and tidbits about our radio broadcasters, their program, and the risks they take. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, or search #worldradioday for more information.
