Public broadcasters across Europe have united with international and professional associations to celebrate World Radio Day – proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

Three key initiatives are being supported by the EBU today:

• A special concert featuring Dvorák and Mahler Symphonies offered through the Euroradio files exchange system has been taken up by eight Members.
• In Paris, EBU Member Radio France will host an evening reception and a live classical concert co-organised by the EBU, UNESCO and the International Radio and Television Union (URTI) on behalf of the WRD International Committee.
• In Brussels, the EBU will be hosting a lunch debate to demonstrate the latest radio technology and give examples of how broadcasters are renewing their relationship with younger audiences.

EBU Media Director Annika Nyberg Frankenhaeuser says radio has proven itself to be a resilient media and remains one of the most accessed and trusted sources of information in the digital age.

 “Radio has adapted to include new services and ensure access through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This ‘hybrid’ combination of broadcast and broadband in particular makes it possible to develop new ways of being even closer to the audience,” said Ms Frankenhaeuser. “Today, radio reaches more than 80 per cent of the European population on a weekly basis, and with average daily listening time in Europe still strong, terrestrial radio is forecast to remain the main platform to access audio content in the foreseeable future.”

Radio audiences have also been invited to contribute to the celebrations. URTI will again offer its audio upload platform and radio lovers have been asked to come up with slogans to promote their choice medium.

How members are celebrating

BBC WILTSHIRE – UK

interviews in English with other broadcasters worldwide relating to their WRD celebrations.

CATALUNYA RADIO – Catalonia

Jordi Savall's concert from Barcelona, titled "The Spirit of Armenia."

MKRTV – Macedonia

a special programme featuring radio slogans offered by listeners.

RADIO FRANCE

a reception and separate live classical concert co-organised by the EBU, UNESCO and the International Radio and Television Union (URTI) on behalf of the International Committee WRD, representing thirteen main audiovisual and telecommunications organizations worldwide.

RTP – Portugal

a concert by the French National Orchestra led by Daniele Gatti and recorded at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris featuring Dvorák’s Cello Concerto in B minor and Mahler’s‘Titan’ Symphony No. 1 in D.

RTVS – Slovakia

a series of programmes featuring interviews and music including the new Slovak opera Dorian Gray.

THE VATICAN

It’s been a week of festivities for Vatican Radio. 24 hours on from marking its 83^rd anniversary as a broadcaster and minutes after midnight, the EBU Member launched its World Radio Day by broadcasting a concert performed by the French National Orchestra and offered by Radio France and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Special programming throughout the day will focus on the role of women in broadcasting and how Vatican Radio’s own female journalists are able to give women without a voice a platform to be heard. Part of a long-term project involving women from Africa, Asia and the Americas, these programmes highlight courageous and inspiring women who face challenging situations as they work for peace and justice in the world.