MISA Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Radio Day 2021 with a call for radio stations to create a positive narrative and fight misinformation around the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2011, the UNESCO General Conference declared February 13 as World Radio Day and the United Nations General Assembly formally endorsed the day in 2012.
World Radio Day 2021 is being observed under the theme ‘New World, New Radio’.
The day is celebrated to raise greater awareness on the importance of radio. It is the day that the world celebrates radio as a powerful and low cost communication tool that reaches the widest audience across the world.
The 2019 National Statistical Office and Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority Access and Usage of ICT Services Survey found that radio listenership in Malawi is at 71.2 percent.
Radio remains the most consumed and trusted source of information in the country. It is therefore imperative that radio stations endeavour to relay Covid-19 messages that bring hope to those infected or affected and ensure adherence to preventive measures.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, there are numerous concerns about mental health due to loss of loved ones, isolation, fear, stigma and job loss or income insecurity. The situation leaves people in dire need of positive information and radio remains the best medium, more especially to remote populations.
The pandemic has also created a situation of misconceptions, disinformation, misinformation and even hate towards those working tirelessly against the pandemic – healthcare workers.
MISA Malawi would like to urge radio stations to create and air out verified or accurate information and take a lead in the fight against false information about the pandemic.
The World Radio Day 2021 marks the 10th anniversary and the more than 110 years of radio.
The theme ‘New World, New Radio’ is the celebration of radio’s ability to evolve, innovate and connect.
As the world changes, MISA Malawi calls on radio stations in Malawi to adapt and adopt new technologies to ensure their sustainability, accessibility and continued service to the people.
