Geneva, 13 February 2012 - EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre saluted UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for acknowledging 'the powerful influence' of radio in proclaiming 13 February World Radio Day.

The Day draws attention to the unique value of radio and coincides with the opening day of EBU Radio Week when key industry players assemble in Geneva to share ideas, culminating in the Digital Radio Summit on Wednesday 15.

A joint message issued by UNESCO and ITU affirms radio as "the mass medium that reaches the widest audience, especially the most marginalized parts of our societies."

Ms Deltenre said the EBU firmly supports the organizations' views, which are aligned with internal values: "We endorse the view that 'free, independent and pluralistic radio is essential for healthy societies' and vital for advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms. We urge Members to embrace the occasion during EBU Radio Week." 

In addition to updates from key standards bodies, EBU Radio Week will focus on case studies from some of the developing digital radio markets, user experience presentations and an overview of some of the latest radio tools and platforms in development at the EBU.

"These annual events provoke innovation by uniting radio's brightest stars: software developers, integrators, engineers, service providers, network operators and manufacturers seeking to find out more about existing open tools, contribute to developments and, of course, make contacts," Ms Deltenre said.

The Digital Radio Summit is open to EBU Members and non-members. Registration is required.

Click for further information on Radio Week

Click for further information on World Radio Day 

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About the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
The EBU serves 85 national media organizations in 56 countries in and around Europe. It represents its Members and promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. The Eurovision and Euroradio networks deliver news, sports, events and music to EBU Members and other media organizations. Services to Members range from legal advice, technical standardization and development to coproduction and exchange of quality European content.  For more information about the EBU: www.ebu.chand www.eurovision.net/