World Radio Day is taking place on February 13, 2015.  This is an opportunity to celebrate this medium and its power to connect individuals, communities and regions of the world through sound.  The transformative power of radio cannot be underestimated.  Through its role in conveying such content as news and public affairs programs, personal stories and music, radio has been seen throughout history as a “conduit” of information that is essential to people’s lives on both a local and global level.   Radio remains the one medium that reaches the greatest number of people worldwide.

On this occasion of World Radio Day, the Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) emphasizes the importance of media and information literacy competencies for radio. These competencies include the ability to evaluate the messages and information received through radio, to understand the ways in which audiences are identified and addressed, and to be able to use radio and related technologies to access and share information.   We also emphasize the important role of community radio and major broadcasters in promoting freedom of expression and freedom of information through a free, independent and pluralistic media.  

GAPMIL is committed to supporting children and youth in their efforts to engage in meaningful participation in our world which is driven by information, media and technology. Media and information literacy (MIL) is concerned with developing citizens’ critical understanding of information andmedia, as well as the roles these play in all aspects of their daily lives and in society as a whole.

MIL is also concerned with supporting young people to become active citizens as they navigate the plethora of information and media messages that they encounter, and as they explore the potential positive and negative aspects of information and media content.

The type of information we access, whether through such media as radio, Internet, or books, may influence our behavior, as well as the way we see ourselves and others. Media and information literacy competencies and access to radio and other media and information technology are all important to ensure children’s and youth’s full-fledged development and participation in inclusive and just societies.

We urge all MIL and radio enthusiasts around the world to use the occasion of the World Radio Day to help young girls and boys acquire MIL competencies and to encourage both community radio and major networks to promote MIL.

At the level of GAPMIL, we shall continue to pursue programmes and initiatives that put the Media and Information Literacy competencies at the forefront of global discourse as radio continues to evolve in our digital age.  

Note:

GAPMIL was launched in June 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria, by UNESCO, UNAOC, and other partners, during the Global Forum for Partnerships on MIL, incorporating the International Conference on MIL and Intercultural Dialogue.

It aims to promote media and information literacy (MIL) as a means to open and inclusive development.  For more information on GAPMIL, please visit: http://www.unesco.org/new/…/gapmil_framework_and_action_plan. We encourage you to join the Alliance.  

Signed

GAPMIL, International Steering Committee