Celebrate human spirit at the heart of radio broadcasting

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On February 13, World Radio Day was commemorated. Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, making it an officially recognised international observance.

World Radio Day commemorates the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946, established in the aftermath of World War II as a symbol of global communication and cooperation. Since then, radio has remained a trusted companion, authentic, reliable, and accessible to all. This year’s theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice,” reminds us of the growing role of AI in broadcasting.

AI must remain a support system, not a substitute for the human voice, editorial judgement, and credibility that define radio. When used ethically and responsibly to support professional judgement, creativity, and public service values, AI can become an ally in strengthening audience trust.

AI’s usage and dependencies are widespread in an era where almost everyone is a content creator. Additionally, this year’s theme highlights how AI can enhance content production, archiving, translation, audience engagement and accessibility, making radio more efficient and inclusive. At the same time, the theme emphasizes that technology must remain a support system, not a substitute for the human voice.

It is by encouraging ethical and responsible use of AI, the theme reaffirms that innovation should strengthen radio’s core values of trust, authenticity, and community connection in the digital age. Importantly, creativity, empathy, and moral responsibility remain uniquely human. Treating AI as a tool ensures humans remain accountable for decisions, rather than deferring responsibility to machines.

As we observe World Radio Day in Jamaica and the Caribbean, let us pause to remember the life and work of Alma Mock Yen, who passed recently. She was a pioneering broadcaster who trained countless radio journalists who studied at the Radio Education Unit and at CARIMAC. Her legacy lives on in the voices of those she mentored, and in the enduring strength of Caribbean broadcasting.

On this World Radio Day let us give thanks for radio for the voices it carries, the trust it builds, and the communities it connects. Let us also embrace innovation responsibly, ensuring that technology strengthens, rather than replaces, the human spirit at the heart of radio broadcasting.

WAYNE CAMPBELL

waykam@yahoo.com