World Radio Day

As you know, with the RUSC Old Time Radio website, it's like having a high-tech time-capsule to transport you back to a time when radio ruled the airwaves.

So when I saw a news article this week about World Radio Day, I presumed it must be a marvellous new celebration for our wonderful world of Old Time Radio. Alas, although World Radio Day isn't just about old time radio - it IS a celebration of the impact radio has had on our world.

Following a request from the Spanish Radio Academy to UNESCO, in 2012 the first World Radio Day was celebrated. The date of 13th February was chosen, as that's the date the United Nations Radio was first established in 1946.

Each year, the celebrations are centered around a particular theme. Last year was Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace. This year, the theme is Radio and Diversity. Here are some of the themes from previous years:-

• Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Radio
• Youth and Radio
• Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster
• Radio is You
• Radio and Sports

World Radio Day celebrates the radio as a way of educating people, providing information, and promoting freedom of expression across cultures. I wish it covered more. Maybe we should put forward a request for a topic of Radio in History. 

Speaking for myself, the radio has been my lifeline to keep my mind tickety-boo. But for many, radio today is a lifeline to reach even the most remote and vulnerable communities.

So, before you put those confetti cannons back in the cupboard - let's celebrate and be thankful for radio, and the endless pursuit of a more peaceful and tolerant world.

Happy listening my friends,