Happy World Radio 2017

Today has been designated by UNESCO as World Radio Day. This years theme being "Radio is You". 

Well I think many might say of me 'Radio is you' Iain!!

My text from 2016's World Radio Day still encapsulates my feelings on the medium very succinctly... And I love it even more than I did then (almost ridiculously so) a 25 year long love affair that began by tuning around to far-off FM-stations in my room as a child. Nowadays whether I'm at work, in the car or at home Ive got the radio on. Its something you can hear almost anywhere and that ubiquity does not diminish it in the slightest. Indeed it defines the mediums power to connect distant places and people, to bring a sense of community, to break important news, to be a companion for many many listeners at once and most importantly tell stories. 

The medium is all about stories for me, whether its a BBC World Service program on the phone-box libraries of New Zealand, a BBC Radio 4 'From Our Correspondent' report from the US election trail or even a BBC Radio Leicester piece on a local poetry slam it is a truly beautiful medium for telling peoples stories originating from across the world or around the corner in their purest and most accessible form. 

Of radio I love the history, the technology, the production, the formats, and indeed many of the characters who've graced our airwaves over the years. Most of all I love the serendipity of tuning in and still being surprised, enlightened or entertained;

For more info check out http://www.diamundialradio.org Which I think says it best of all...

"World Radio Day is now in its 6th year!
UNESCO invites all radio stations and supporting organisations to join us for World Radio Day 2017, a chance to celebrate radio and how it helps shape our lives!
Radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium there is, adapting to 21st century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate. Where social media and audience fragmentation can put us in media bubbles of like-minded people, radio is uniquely positioned to bring communities together and foster positive dialogue for change. By listening to its audiences and responding to their needs, radio provides the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we all face.
Radio informs us and transforms us, through entertainment, information and audience participation.  Having a radio means you are never alone – you always have a friend in radio.  
Please explore our webpage, brimming with ideas, activities and practical solutions, such as the Radio Health Checkup, for you to do on or around World Radio Day."