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Radio: A vehicle for Peace
This year, UNESCO highlighted independent radio as a pillar of conflict prevention and peacebuilding by carrying the media narrative in reporting and informing the public. In her keynote address, Theofilus highlighted that radio could serve as a tool to create tension and animosity among citizens. Therefore, there is a need for all radio personalities and the public at large to use the tool as a medium of communication wisely.
Radio must remain an authentic source of information, reporting on facts and matters that contribute to nation-building.
She further added that radio continues to play a crucial role in communities, especially with its wide and unlimited reach, ensuring that all citizens have equal access to information: "Using radio as a medium of communication places us at a very competitive advantage because of its wide and unlimited reach. For example, radio in Namibia is accessible in all local languages, ensuring that all citizens have equal access to information. This has been accomplished through collaboration between the government and stakeholders (public, private, and community radio stations).鈥
During his welcoming remarks. NBC Director General, Stanley B. Similo emphasized the important role radio plays in delivering credible information. He stated that radio remains one of the most effective forms of communication and continues to bring people together from different cultural backgrounds, disseminating vital information whilst keeping the masses informed, educated and entertained.
In line with the theme of 鈥淩adio & Peace鈥, radio presenters are tasked with raising public awareness, and community participation by allowing members of the public to express their voices and thoughts all whilst maintaining and promoting peace.
Similo added that radio shapes and informs public perception by reporting and informing audiences responsibly by simply taking control of the narrative which can influence domestic and international situations. He concluded that globally, radio remains one of the most preferred and consumed communication mediums and serves as the custodian of broadcasting and key source of news around the world.
Also speaking at the occasion, UNESCO Representative to Namibia, Djaffar Moussa-Elkadhum pointed out that UNESCO underlines the importance of supporting radio through capacity building for increased professionalism, adequate legislation and regulation, assistance for digital transition, financial viability and respect for editorial independence.
Radio has not lost its significance to technology. In fact, it is evolving - accessibility, low cost, and high-impact calls for conflict-sensitive radio practices and solution-orientated journalism to improve social discourse and understanding among communities.
Moussa-Elkadhum concluded with a quote: 鈥The Preamble to the Constitution of UNESCO states 鈥渟ince wars begin on the minds of men (and women), it is in the minds of men (and women) that defences of peace must be constructed鈥, believing in full and equal opportunities for education for all, in the unrestricted pursuit of objective truth, and in the free exchange of ideas and knowledge, are agreed and determined to develop and to increase the means of communication between their peoples and to employ these means for the purposes of mutual understanding and a truer and more perfect knowledge of each other鈥檚 lives.鈥
The day was celebrated with the public, radio broadcasters, audio-visual professionals, and radio presenters with a panel discussion after the official programme ended and a meet and greet opportunity which allowed the public to share special moments with their favourite radio personalities.
