Today is World Radio Day and the message from the UK’s Radiocentre is “focus on how the medium makes a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”
World Radio Day is an annual UNESCO initiative to highlight the unique power of radio to touch lives and bring people together across every corner of the globe. It provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the value of high quality, distinctive broadcasting from both public and commercial radio, as well as its economic and cultural contribution.
As well as being the most trusted medium in Europe and most trusted medium for news, huge charity initiatives such as Global’s Make Some Noise and Bauer Radio’s Cash For Kids, to smaller stations local charitable projects like Andover Radio’s #LoveBus help radio make a positive impact in the UK, every day.
The total amount raised for charity by UK radio companies exceeds £30m every year.
The industry’s focus on mental health has seen over 500 stations from commercial, community and the BBC come together for The Mental Health Minute when celebrities from the world of sport, music and screens join royalty to voice a minute-long message to be broadcast simultaneously.
Andover Radio’s #LoveBus project is part-funded by the National Lottery and HM Government department DCMS to help reduce social isolation in the area. Volunteers are being recruited to join the project which will be out and about at events and community groups frequently over the summer.
“We are also seeking community groups” says Andover Radio director Ben Tuffin. “We are looking for groups that might make use of our bus which comes packed with a series of beneficial projects to engage with people of all ages.” Interested parties should contact the #LoveBus team by clicking here.
Radio is an important and much valued source of vital news, with 77% of commercial radio listeners saying that radio helps them stay informed. This is something advertisers value. According to an article written for Campaign by St Luke’s Chief Creative Office Al Young, radio is a beacon of reasoned debate “where diverse voices and opinions can be heard together”.
Siobhan Kenny, Radiocentre CEO, said, “World Radio Day is a good opportunity to celebrate all the good radio does and how lucky we all are to have it on tap, every day, for free. We also know that the future of radio relies on it being inclusive so while we have been actively involved with initiatives such as the Creative Access radio masterclasses, the Mental Health Minute and Young Audio Awards, we also know that there is more to be done so this work will continue.”
