World Radio Day 2015 shines a light on the role of radio in the lives of young people around the world, says EBU Media Director.

The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) is involved in the initiative, along with the International Communications Union (ITU) and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Broadcasters from around the world are joining other stakeholders today (Friday 13 February) for an afternoon of debate, dialogue and live broadcasts at the ITU headquarters in Geneva.

World Radio Day 2015 is the culmination of EBU radio week, a programme of high-level events for industry stakeholders.

Linking the world by radio

One of the highlights of World Radio Day 2015 is an 18-hour global broadcast relay, organised by the EBU. The relay began at 0500 Geneva time this morning with SIBC and Wantok radio from the Solomon Islands and will finish at 2300 Geneva time in Guyana.

Speaking ahead of the event, EBU Media Director Annika Nyberg-Frankenhaeuser said: "There is a feeling today that radio is being abandoned by young people. I think radio is actually perfectly placed for being a great medium for people living the hectic lives that we live in today's world, because it sits very well with the lifestyle that a lot of us have, particularly young people. We move around a lot, we are mobile all the time but we also want to be connected all the time. There are lots of situations where you cannot watch what is happening, but you can listen - and this is where radio comes into its own as a great medium."