 celebrated the World Radio Day 2024 on Feb 13, 2024.){kind=link}
Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) celebrated World Radio Day 2024 on Feb 13, 2024. ZACRAS joined the global community to celebrate World Radio Day which is observed annually on the same day.
The theme for commemorating 2024 was ‘Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating’.
Chairperson of the ZACRAS Board – Artwell Nkomo stated that this year holds a special significance for them as they also commemorate their 20th anniversary. This year they are marking two decades and empowering communities through the transformative power of radio.
Chairperson Nkomo also said that World Radio Day provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the immense impact that radio has had on society.
Artwell Nkomo mentioned that since the licensing of 14 community radio stations in Zimbabwe, they have seen an increase in information conveyance and dialogue.
Community radio has connected people through airwaves and promoted local culture and budding musicians from marginalized communities.
As per the sources, ZACRAS has been at the forefront of making community radio initiatives in Zimbabwe, for the past 20 years.
Nkomo said, “We have witnessed how community radio stations have become vital platforms for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, that promotes the local content and addressing the unique needs of diverse populations.”
The Chairperson has also said that they have called on the government to recognize the significant role of community radio in promoting democracy. It also promotes the freedom of expression and social inclusion, therefore their sustainability should be on the national agenda.
He added, “The current 14 licensed community radio stations are at different capacity levels and we want to ensure their continued existence and success in the communities as they provide local voices an opportunity to be heard as they are a critical source of information for the community.”
The World Radio Day is celebrated annually on the February 13. It is celebrated to signify the first radio transmission which was made by Guglielmo Marconi in 1895.
It also signifies the radio broadcasting of music and talk that was aimed towards a wider audience that came into existence, albeit experimentally, sometimes around 1905-06.