On Monday, the world marked the World Radio Day, held annually on February 13 to celebrate radio, reflecting on its unique power to touch lives and bring people together across every corner of the globe, as well as remembering why it is still needed today.

Marking the day under the theme of the 2017 edition of World Radio Day being "Radio is You,” the international radio community called for greater participation of audiences and communities in the planning of radio broadcasting.

In separate interviews with The New Times, radio experts as well as journalists  shared their views about the progress of the radio in the country, its contribution to development, challenges facing it, as well as what the future holds for it.

Aldo Havugimana, the Director of Radios at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, said that radio in the country has made giant strides over the last fifteen years, which he says is partly evidenced in the growing number of radio stations across the country,

"We have more than thirty stations today. This means diversity of information enjoyed by the public,” he said.

He added that radio has contributed to freedom of speech as people use it as a platform to express their views concerning different issues affecting them.

He, however, advised that radio still has a lot to do to improve content delivered to the listeners.

"It is not about just having a frequency and broadcasting stuff,” he said "Radio stations need to create quality content in order to have loyal listeners.”

What radio operators say

Richard Dan Iraguha, the Director of Izuba Community Radio in the Eastern Province, says radio is doing a good job as far as people’s interests are concerned, which he said has enabled it to win their confidence.

He cited examples of informing as well as educating the citizens about agriculture, among other things that help improve the people’s livelihoods.

He, however, said that radio signals of certain outlets do not reach all parts of the country and this makes people miss out on important information.

Danny Hakizimana, a journalist with Amazing Grace Radio, said that the radio still faces challenges, especially related to finance.

"Many radios face financial constraints and that is why you see that some of them opt to use volunteers or interns,” he said.

He also cited difficulty in accessing information.

He noted that the future of the radio is bright as journalists are realising the power of coming together and seeking solutions as a family.

Nelson Kubwimana, another journalist in Kigali, posted on his social media account. "Radio is on the peak of disseminating information to a big number of people. It is the cheapest (medium) and reaches all classes of people. The poor, the illiterate, all can listen.”

The listeners speak out

Julius Ntaganzwa, a resident of Gisozi, Kigali, says that radio has lately embraced more international languages in order not to limit themselves to the Rwandan market.

Musa Shumbusho, a resident of Nyamirambo, says radio needs to come up with more entertainment programmes for the youth.

"They should put some more into the side of fun and entertainment, for example, programmes on new trending fashions and styles,” he said.

The World Radio Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in its 36th General Conference on November 3, 2011.

It was first celebrated in 2012 and later adopted as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly. Previous themes have included gender equality, youth participation, and radio in humanitarian and disaster situations.

According to UNESCO, there are about 44,000 radio stations worldwide.

At least 75 per cent of households in developing countries have access to a radio.

AM/FM radio accounts for 86 per cent of the total time adults aged 25-54 spend listening to (three) main audio platforms. Adults listen to eight times more AM/FM radio than satellite radio and seventeen times more than internet audio streaming.

AM/FM radio is heard by a variety of decision influencers with 43 per cent of respondents aged 25 to 54, saying they listen with their children, 38 per cent with their spouse or partner, according to a study.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw