World Radio Day 2026: Why radio still matters in a digital age

World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13, celebrates radio as one of the world’s most enduring and accessible public service media. The day marks the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946, which played a crucial role in global communication in the aftermath of the Second World War. Even as digital platforms dominate modern communication, radio continues to retain its relevance, particularly in developing and diverse societies like India.

The theme for World Radio Day 2026, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice,” highlights the evolving role of technology in broadcasting. While artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to assist content production, translation, archiving and accessibility, the theme stresses that AI cannot replace the human voice, editorial judgement and trust that define radio as a credible medium.

In India, radio has played a historic role in shaping society and politics, from uniting the nation during Independence in 1947 to supporting education, agriculture and disaster communication in the decades that followed. All India Radio (AIR), India’s public service broadcaster, reaches over 99 per cent of the population through broadcasts in 23 languages and 182 dialects, serving remote, rural and border areas where internet connectivity remains limited.

Though radio usage has declined in urban households due to smartphones and streaming services, it remains widely used in vehicles, workplaces, rural regions and coastal communities. Fishermen rely on radio weather bulletins before venturing into the sea, while farmers depend on radio advisories for crop and weather updates. During natural disasters and emergencies, when mobile networks fail, battery-powered radios often become the most reliable source of information.

India will mark World Radio Day 2026 with nationwide programmes across AIR, private FM stations and community radio networks, with a national-level conclave scheduled in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The observance reinforces radio’s enduring role as a trusted, inclusive and resilient medium, proving that even in the digital age, radio remains a vital lifeline for information, culture and public communication.