As the United Nations mark World Radio Day today, experts have identified radio as an important information source that would remain indispensable even in the face of advancement of information technology.
Correspondent, Kenechukwu Chukwudi x-rayed the significance of radio to information dissemination and its benefits.
Radio is one of the earliest information dissemination inventions that reaches wide and diverse people through the use of magnetic airwaves with transmitter and received by individual radio set through antenna.
Reacting to the importance of radio to information dissemination, the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, Mrs Stella Okunna, explained that the new media has not in any way affected the power of radio broadcasting as an information dissemination tool, bearing in mind that there are areas the new media cannot reach, especially rural areas and radio being a portable device can be used anywhere to receive information as it is also cheap and convenient compared to other sources.
Professor Okunna also noted that technology has helped in improving radio broadcast through live streaming of broadcast on Android phones, production of solar powered radio and host of other new innovations that have always given radio its pride of place, advising broadcasters to always sharpen themselves with new skills especially in a constantly technologically changing world.
On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Dr. Uche Nworah said the day highlights the importance of radio and also recognize the works of On Air Personalities and Journalists, emphasizing that the state radio outfit was at the fore front of information sharing during the period of the Coronavirus pandemic to educate Ndi Anambra on how to protect themselves from the virus
Dr Nworah pointed out that technology has aided radio broadcast, as ABS gets calls from all over the world during its programmes because of its App that aids online streaming and appreciated the state government for its support.
A grassroots leader, Dr. Amobi Nwokafor, described radio as indispensable information tool, which has helped humanity in numerous ways, saying that it will continue to play an important role in the lives of people while other respondents including Mr. Benjamin Okafor and Uju Egwuim noted that the usefulness of radio cannot be overemphasized even with other media.
The World Radio Day was first celebrated in 2012 after it was made a world day in 2011 to highlight the place of radio in the world and how its potential can be harnessed.
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