Radio is the technology of using radio waves to carry information by systematically regulating properties of electromagnetic energy waves transmitted through space, such as amplitude, frequency, phase or pulse with. The term is derived from the Latin word ‘radius’, meaning “spoke of wheel, beam of light, ray”. It was first applied to communications in 1881 when, at the suggestion of French scientist Ernest Mercadier, Alexander Graham Bell adopted “radiophone” as an alternate name.
One of the earliest uses of Radio was chiefly maritime in nature, used for sending telegraphic messages using Morse code between ships and land. One of the most memorable uses of marine telegraphy was during the sinking of RMS Titanic in 1912, including communications between operators on the sinking ship and nearby vessels, and communications to shore stations listing the survivors. Radio was used to pass on orders and communications between armies and navies on both sides in World War I; Germany used radio communications for diplomatic messages once it discovered that its submarine cables had been tapped by the British.
Today, radio takes many forms, including wireless networks and mobile communications of all types, as well as radio broadcasting. Before the advent of television, commercial radio broadcasts included not only news and music, but dramas, comedies, variety shows, and many other forms of entertainment (the era from the late 1920s to the mid-1950s is commonly called radio’s “Golden Age”).
To commemorate the importance of Radio Technology, World Radio Day is observed annually on February 13. The day is about celebrating radio, why we love it, and why we need it today more than ever. A day to remember the unique power of radio to touch lives and bring people together across every corner of the globe.
World Radio Day 2017
World Radio Day was held in 2017 around the theme of “Radio is You“, with the goal of celebrating how audiences interact with Radio. The theme was designed to encourage radio stations to be the best they can, by having audience engagement policies, ethical committees, public editors, self-review programmes and by ensuring their community radio networks were strong. A record number of countries, took part in World Radio Day 2017 with more than 500 events worldwide.
- The theme “Radio is You” was chosen because radio is everything it is because of its listeners. The theme puts the spotlight on audiences, ensuring their views and diversity are represented on the airwaves.
- The theme is a chance to look at all of the different ways that radio engages audiences, not only on-air but through “listening to listeners” in the planning and policy of radio.