Radio in the age of AI.

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 statement could not be more contemporary.

New technologies are now part of our daily lives, and since its founding at the dawn of the atomic age, UNESCO has helped societies navigate and manage the transformative power of technology – to the benefit of all. Today, in an era shaped by AI and related breakthrough innovations, UNESCO continues the critical work of ensuring these emerging technologies are developed and deployed in service of equity, opportunity, and inclusivity.

On the occasion of World Radio Day 2026, UNESCO is exploring more deeply the opportunities offered by AI to reimagine radio with care, creativity, and connection.

To do so, UNESCO supports the Permanent Conference of the Mediterranean Audiovisual Operators (COPEAM) to launch a project showing new possibilities for radio broadcasters to extend the reach of their content beyond its original linguistic space.

Six out of 27 episodes from the radio series Arab Philosophers – Ancient and Contemporary produced by 16 public radio broadcasters from the Middle East, North Africa and Southern Europe, including Jordan, Tunisia, Spain, and several Gulf States, are going to be translated and dubbed into Italian using AI-powered technological solutions. The series aims to explore and transmit the intellectual heritage of Arab thinkers such as al-Kindi, Avicenna, Averroes, Ibn Khaldûn, and Mohamed Abed al-Jabri through the centuries, while making it accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Rai’s Research and Technological Innovation Centre (CRITS) tested the AI tools on radio content, focusing on synchronization and audio quality. At the same time, philosophy and Arabic scholars from Université Ca’ Foscari de Venise reviewed and validated the AI-adapted scripts to ensure the intellectual integrity of the content.

Particular care was given to vocal synthesis and terminology, recognizing the need for accuracy and cultural sensitivity when protecting the voices and handling philosophical and cultural references.

The entire process—from script revision to final dubbing—was documented on video and now serves as a reference for radio stations. It demonstrates that AI integration is both feasible and economically viable, enabling outlets to reach wider multilingual audiences, unlock new revenue streams, and enhance long-term sustainability.