World Radio Day

On the occasion of World Radio Day 2026, UNESCO explores how Artificial Intelligence can expand radio’s reach while preserving its cultural and intellectual depth. Through a project led by COPEAM, six episodes of the series "Arab Philosophers – Ancient and Contemporary" were translated and dubbed into Italian using AI-powered tools, with careful academic review to ensure accuracy and sensitivity. The scientific experiment is meant to demonstrate how AI can be used responsibly and in partnership with human expertise. If used responsibly it’s a way that can help public service media reach new audiences, strengthen cultural dialogue, and enhance sustainability across borders. “We should not be ashamed of appreciating the truth and of acquiring it wherever it comes from”. When the Arab philosopher al-Kindi wrote his famous quote in the 9th century, it would not be possible for him to know how Artificial Intelligence (AI) would impact the world 1,200 years later. However, his stat...

In South Sudan, radio remains one of the most important and reliable ways people access information. Across towns and counties, it carries news, public announcements, local conversations, and music in many of the country’s languages. Travelling across the country can be difficult and internet access remains limited, but radio airwaves continue to connect communities in ways few other communications platforms can. This year’s World Radio Day comes at a significant moment. South Sudan continues to navigate the effects of conflict, economic crises, climate shocks, and displacement, even as efforts toward peace and sustainable development move forward. In a country still grappling with conflict, radio plays an important role in promoting peace and encouraging dialogue within and between communities. With national elections scheduled for December 2026, access to accurate and trusted information is increasingly important, enabling citizens to engage meaningfully in a key democratic proce...

Happy WORLD RADIO DAY ! Today we call for  Innovation that empowers. Ethics that inspire and Trust that endures.

Celebrated on 13 February every year, World Radio Day is a unique opportunity for radio stations around the world to showcase their diversity, creativity and ability to contribute to society . For 2026, the theme ‘ Radio and Artificial Intelligence’  opens up a whole new field of discussion, creation and exploration. To make it easier for every radio station to get involved – however big and wherever they are – we've come up with 13 simple, accessible ideas.  Why 13?  Because World Radio Day falls on 13 February, and because it allows each radio station to choose one or more ideas to mark the day in their own way. These ideas can be implemented in two ways: Targeting your listeners : special programmes, reports, debates, street interviews, audio capsules or social media visuals. Targeting your teams  (employees, volunteers, interns): internal reflection, training, improving your practices. Jump to : 1. Augmented Voice 2. Transparency in the use of on-air voices...

  AI is transforming our relationship with the radio voice , from real-time audio transcription and noise reduction to highly realistic synthesized voices At its best, AI makes radio more accessible , enabling captions for deaf and hard of hearing audiences, voice-controlled radios for people who are blind or visually impaired, and AI translation that brings broadcasts into more languages, helping radio reach everyone, everywhere. This transformation is not about replacing the human voice which remains at the heart ofradio. Used responsibly, AI can amplify reach human creativity and inclusion. In line with UNESCO’s ethical framework for artificial intelligence , voice technologies must respect human dignity, people’s consent to be recorded, transparency, and human oversight, and must never be used to deceive or exploit. A voice is more than sound: it is identity, and identity is a human right. Sub-themes around this idea for programme content : ways to leverage, develop or ...

In the age of AI-generated voices , transparency is no longer optional — it is an ethical requirement. When a voice heard on air is synthesized or generated by artificial intelligence , audiences have the right to know. Clear disclosure helps maintain trust, prevents deception, and respects listeners’ ability to make informed judgments about what they hear. This principle calls for thoughtful disclosure policies, including on-air announcements, credits, or descriptions that clearly indicate when AI is being used. Transparency does not undermine creativity or innovation; on the contrary, it strengthens public confidence and ensures that the use of AI in radio remains responsible, ethical, and aligned with human-centered values . Sub-themes around this idea for programme content : ways to leverage, develop or angle the topic: For listeners: How should radio stations disclose the use of AI-generated voices to listeners? Does transparency about AI voices strengthen trust or change ho...