Radio: The Resilient Medium

Why radio remains important in the internet age, especially for rural, poor and blind listeners, and the economics of community and public radio.

Radio is more than a century old, yet it remains one of the most widely used media in the world. UNESCO celebrates World Radio Day each year on 13 February, highlighting its continued importance.

Why radio endures

Low cost: radio sets are cheap, and listening is free. Many mobile phones include FM radio.
No electricity grid needed: battery or wind-up radios work where power is unreliable.
No literacy needed: radio reaches people who cannot read.
Wide reach: broadcasts cover remote areas without internet.
Accessibility: radio is naturally accessible to blind and visually impaired people.
Resilience: during disasters, when internet and power fail, radio often continues, providing warnings and information.

Community radio

Community radio stations are small, non-profit stations run by and for local communities. India first allowed educational institutions to run community radio in 2002 and extended this to NGOs and community groups in 2006. Hundreds of stations now operate, run by NGOs, universities and community groups. They broadcast in local languages and dialects on farming, health, education and local issues. Research suggests community radio can increase knowledge and participation in local development.

The economics

Commercial radio is funded by advertising, and costs are relatively low compared with TV. Community radio relies on grants, donations and limited local advertising. Many struggle financially.

Radio and development

Radio has been used for development campaigns. Studies of radio dramas in several African countries found they could change attitudes and behaviours, for example on health practices. A large randomised study in Burkina Faso found that a radio campaign on child health increased families’ use of health care for sick children.

A cyclone warning by radio

As a cyclone approaches the coast, power fails and mobile networks become overloaded. Fishing families listen to battery radios as authorities broadcast warnings and evacuation instructions in local languages. The oldest mass medium becomes the most reliable lifeline.

Thinking radio is obsolete

In many parts of the world, including rural India, radio remains a primary source of news and information. Its low cost, reach and accessibility make it hard to replace.

Key takeaways

Radio remains widely used because it is cheap, needs no literacy and reaches remote areas.
It is naturally accessible to blind listeners and resilient in disasters.
India opened community radio to NGOs and community groups in 2006, and hundreds of stations operate.
Radio campaigns have changed health behaviours in development settings.