In an era dominated by digital media, streaming services, and artificial intelligence, one might assume that radio—a technology that first crackled to life over a century ago—would be a relic of the past. Yet, here we are, on another World Radio Day, celebrating its enduring influence. Radio has not only survived the tides of technological change but has also remained a steadfast companion through wars, revolutions, and ideological shifts. It has continued to inform, entertain, and unify audiences across the world
Radio’s resilience is rooted in its simplicity and intimacy. The technology behind radio, though complex, has been readily available. Unlike television or social media, where visuals often distract, radio fosters a direct connection between the voice and the listener’s imagination. Orson Welles demonstrated this power in 1938 with War of the Worlds, a radio broadcast that sent listeners into panic, believing an alien invasion was underway. This incident underscored the medium’s unparalleled ability to engage emotions and minds.
“Radio is the theater of the mind; television is the theater of the eye,” legendary American broadcaster Steve Allen once remarked. That imaginative element—the ability to paint vivid pictures through words and sounds—remains radio’s magic touch.
Beyond entertainment, radio has been a powerful agent of social and political transformation. It has been the voice of resistance in times of oppression and the beacon of hope during crises. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats reassured Americans during the Great Depression and World War II. Similarly, Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid messages were transmitted clandestinely over radio waves, fueling the struggle for justice.
It has also been misused. The embers of genocide in Rwanda was in part fanned to flame by the use of radio.
In Nigeria, radio has been an integral part of national discourse. During the independence movement, figures like Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe recognized the importance of radio in rallying public support. The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), established in 1951, became the nation’s voice, informing and educating people across diverse regions. Olusegun Obasanjo’s resolve to establish 32 Radio Nigeria FM stations across the country was a game changer. That gave myself, and others like me, the opportunity to properly hone our voices in the profession.
Even today, with over 150 radio stations operating in Nigeria, the medium remains deeply woven into the fabric of society. Bisi Olatilo, a veteran broadcaster, once said, “Radio is still the best way to reach the heart of the people. No other medium speaks so directly, so personally.”
Some feared that television and the internet would render radio obsolete. Instead, it has evolved. Podcasts, online radio stations, and AI-driven broadcasts have expanded its reach beyond traditional frequencies. BBC’s transition into digital broadcasting and Nigeria’s growing number of online radio stations are testament to this shift.
Larry King, the iconic American radio and TV host, once declared, “I’ve always believed that radio, when done well, was a lot more intimate than television.” That intimacy has now extended into the digital space, where listeners can tune in from anywhere in the world.
As we celebrate World Radio Day, we are reminded that radio is more than just a medium—it is a legacy. It has survived world wars, military coups, the rise and fall of empires, and the digital revolution. Through each phase, it has reinvented itself, proving that sound alone can be more powerful than the most dazzling visuals.
To paraphrase the legendary Nigerian broadcaster, Soni Irabor, “As long as there is a story to tell, radio will never die.”
Today, as we commemorate this incredible medium, let us honor those voices—past and present—that have kept the airwaves alive. The story of radio is far from over; in fact, it is still being written, one voice at a time.
Happy World Radio Day!
Oluwaseyi Ige, Chief Operating Officer, Jabbok Media