World Radio Day 2017: Do we still tune in?

Radio is one of the most dynamic and engaging mediums out there and it is also the quickest way to get the word out. But is it still relevant today?Whether you drive yourself to work or school or make use of taxis, we find ourselves listening to the radio and you receive your first dose of entertainment for the day. Usually, one would either be listening to a breakfast show with a topic being discussed in studio or you would receive a roundup of the latest news happening around our country and beyond. Celebrated under the theme ‘Radio is YOU’, the main focus this year’s Radio Day is that radios should represent the views and diversity of its audience. Over the past few years, listenership has decreased. “Spreading news about disasters will always be quicker on radio. The only time radio will be outdated is when disastrous events end”, said Bertha Amakali, who was the keynote speaker at the World Radio Day celebrations held in Windhoek. Amakali narrated that it is vital that radio stations keep up with the needs of the listeners and “knowing your audience is the only way to keep your audience.” Keeping up with trends and making sure one knows what’s hip and happening around the country is mandatory to staying relevant and building a bridge where the radio presenter and the listeners can interact and relate to whatever is being discussed in the studio. Established in 2002, Unam Radio is the oldest campus radio stations in our country and allows students to stay informed on issues happening on campus. Isdor Kamati, presenter at the station feels that campus radio helps to create a link between the university and the students at large. “The student community at Unam is quite large, but with the help of radio, we can all be on the same page,” said Kamati.Kamati feels that only way radio can keep up with other forms of mass media mediums is advocating for interactive listening. “Although listening to radio online is currently the future, it could discourage listeners from staying tuned as sometimes the quality is affected, because of signal problems in certain areas,” he said.Mark Kariahuua, radio personality on Base FM, however has different sentiments on streaming radio as he believes it does not dilute its authenticity. “The aim of listening to radio online is to receive maximum coverage and exposure. We want to make sure that no one is left out, as our target market is scattered around the world,” he said.Radio has proven to be a well-adjusting medium, adapting to technology and always offering new ways to get listeners involved. “Involving the community through social media is also another way to make sure that your listeners interact with you and also give them that sense of power of what is happening in the studio.” Kariahuua added.The day also had the audience entertained with a drama by Children and Youth on the Move and an exhibition debate followed thereafter. Tunohole Mungoba

World Radio Day 2017: Do we still tune in?

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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World Radio Day 2017: Do we still tune in?

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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