World Radio Day 2025
Every year on February 13, the world comes together to celebrate World Radio Day, a tribute to one of humanity’s oldest and most resilient forms of communication. Declared by the United Nations in 2011—surprisingly late, given radio’s century-long influence—this day reminds us of radio’s unique power to connect, inform, and inspire. In 2025, the theme “Radio and Climate Change” highlights how this humble medium can drive urgent conversations about our planet’s future. From remote villages to bustling cities, radio remains a lifeline for millions, proving that even in the digital age, its relevance hasn’t faded.
Why Radio Still Matters
Radio’s simplicity is its strength. It doesn’t require expensive gadgets, stable internet, or literacy. A basic receiver and a pair of batteries are enough to bridge gaps between communities, governments, and experts. This accessibility makes radio indispensable, especially in regions where poverty or geography limits access to technology. In Pakistan, for instance, a recent Gallup survey found that 16.5% of the population tunes in weekly, with young people (ages 15–24) forming a significant chunk of listeners after prevalence of Mobile Phone. Even among older adults (55+), over 21% rely on radio regularly. These numbers may seem modest, but they represent millions who depend on radio for news and music.
Pakistan’s official broadcaster, Radio Pakistan, operates 67 stations across the country, using a mix of FM, medium wave, and shortwave frequencies. Yet, while these stations serve urban and rural areas, there’s a glaring gap: Pakistan has zero community radio stations—a stark contrast to neighbors like India (494 stations) or Afghanistan (155). This absence is puzzling, given radio’s potential to address local needs.
Community Radio
Community radio is grassroots media at its best. Run by and for local people, it broadcasts in regional languages and focuses on hyper-local issues—agriculture, health, education, and disaster response. Take Nepal’s Radio Sagarmatha, South Asia’s first community station, launched in 1997 after a five-year struggle for licensing. Or Bangladesh’s 32 stations that empower farmers with weather updates and crop advice. These stations aren’t just broadcasters; they’re community builders.
In Pakistan, the 2005 earthquake became a turning point. When the disaster wiped out communication networks in Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) stepped in. With no prior experience, volunteers set up makeshift radio studios in shipping containers to share lifesaving information. This effort not only aided recovery but sparked interest in community radio. Today, PPF runs 12 radio studios in press clubs nationwide, waiting for licenses to launch full-fledged stations.
The need is clear. Half of South Asia’s population lives in rural areas, where internet access is scarce. For farmers, women, and marginalized groups, community radio could deliver tailored content—like climate-smart farming techniques or disaster preparedness—in their own languages. Organizations like HANDS Foundation could lead this charge, creating programs that educate and engage communities on pressing issues like climate change.
Radio vs. Climate Change
Climate change isn’t just a scientific challenge—it’s a communication crisis. How do we explain rising temperatures or erratic rains to a farmer in Sindh or a herder in Balochistan? Radio bridges this gap. With trusted local voices and culturally relevant messaging, it can translate complex ideas into actionable steps.
This year’s World Radio Day theme urges broadcasters to:
1. Raise awareness about climate impacts.
2. Promote sustainable practices, like water conservation or renewable energy.
3. Amplify grassroots stories, giving a platform to those most affected.
In Pakistan, where floods and heatwaves are becoming routine, radio can warn communities about disasters, share recovery resources, and advocate for policy changes. Imagine a daily show where meteorologists explain weather patterns, or NGOs like HANDS Foundation host call-ins to discuss tree-planting drives. Radio’s intimacy—its ability to feel like a conversation—makes these messages stick.
Radio for the Visually Impaired Persons
For visually impaired individuals, radio isn’t just convenient—it’s liberating. Without relying on screens, they access news, education, and entertainment independently. In regions like Pakistan, where disability resources are limited, radio becomes a classroom, a companion, and a career path.
Educational programs teach languages, vocational skills, and even coding. Talk shows let listeners engage with social issues, reducing isolation. Entertainment—music, dramas, storytelling—offers respite from daily struggles. Moreover, radio opens doors for visually impaired talent. From hosting shows to producing podcasts, many find purpose and income in broadcasting.
Advances like digital radio and voice-activated devices (e.g., smart speakers) have made content even more accessible. For someone who can’t read a newspaper or navigate the internet, a radio’s “on” button is a gateway to the world.
Pakistan stands at a crossroads. While Radio Pakistan’s network is impressive, the lack of community stations holds back rural development. Licensing hurdles and bureaucratic delays must be addressed to unleash this potential. The success of PPF’s container studios post-earthquake proves that local radio works—it saves lives, builds trust, and fosters unity.
Meanwhile, climate change demands urgent action. By partnering with NGOs, universities, and international bodies, Pakistan’s radio sector can become a hub for environmental education. Young people, who already tune in widely, could lead this shift through youth-led programs or citizen journalism.
For the visually impaired, radio is a right, not a privilege. Advocates must push for inclusive policies—like quotas for disability-focused content or training programs for blind broadcasters.
World Radio Day isn’t just about celebrating the past; it’s about reimagining the future. In an era of TikTok and AI, radio’s human touch—its warmth, immediacy, and reach—remains irreplaceable. From battling climate change to empowering marginalized groups, its potential is limitless.
Pakistan has the tools: a young population eager to engage, NGOs ready to innovate, and airwaves waiting to be filled with local voices. What’s needed now is political will and public support. Let’s turn up the volume on community radio, climate action, and inclusivity. After all, in a world of noise, sometimes the simplest voices speak the loudest.
As we mark World Radio Day 2025, let’s remember: every frequency, every story, and every listener brings us closer to a better world. Tune in, speak up, and keep the dial on hope.
