The statement was shared at a celebration for World Radio Day (February 13) with the theme of "Radio and Diversity". The event was co-hosted by the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) and the UNESCO Office in Hanoi at the National Radio Broadcasting Centre, No. 58 Quan Su Street, Hanoi, on February 13.
At the ceremony, participants discussed the opportunities and challenges for radio broadcasting in the information age, in which they affirmed the vitality of radio and emphasised the requirement of "diversity" in all aspects. It is the imperative factor for radio stations to exist and thrive in today's fierce competition for information.
According to VOV Deputy Director General Tran Minh Hung, this year's "Radio and Diversity" topic covers the state of radio development in the new media age. It is not only about the variety of topics, the audience and the type of radio programmes but also the variety of information flows and the means of conveying information as broadcasting now is not only via radio but also by a multimedia and a variety of broadcast means, Hung stressed.
With all four types of newspapers, broadcasting 13 languages of ethnic minorities in Vietnam and 12 foreign languages in the world, VOV is a typical example of radio development through diversity, Hung said, adding that his station is always innovating and modernising the media to best meet the needs of the public in the current digital age. VOV’s radio channels focus on building high quality programmes with open content and increasing interactivity in order to attract the participation of the public, especially young listeners.
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Speakers exchange and share their knowledge and experience on radio development at the World Radio Day 2020 celebration in Hanoi on February 13, 2020. (Photo: NDO/Trung Hung)
A display on multimedia broadcasting technologies by the VOV’s Radio Broadcasting Technology Centre on the side-line of the World Radio Day 2020 celebration in Hanoi on February 13, 2020. (Photo: NDO/Trung Hung)
Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Vietnam, said that despite the information revolution, radio still maintains its global reach, and now even further as it’s amplified by the power of internet. Despite the wonders of television, the computer and the internet, it is still loved, because at its heart it is an inclusive and very human medium, informing audiences through information, entertainment and audience participation. It also cultivates diversity and even brings people together.
In addition, radio is a global and unifying media, especially in disadvantaged, marginalised and rural areas and other hard-to-reach communities, where it remains one of the few available, affordable and trustworthy sources of entertainment and reliable information. In some places, it is the only source. Radio offers everyone, regardless of their educational level and socio-economic situation, the opportunity to imagine, be entertained and participate in public debate. It is important that radio stations reflects the diversity of the different communities they serve in their organisations and operations, affirmed the UNESCO official.
With all of these meanings, World Radio Day initiated by UNESCO has been celebrated by VOV and the UNESCO Hanoi Office for many years. In the framework of this year's celebration, there were a range of practical activities, such as a talk show about opportunities and challenges for radio in the digital age, performances of live radio broadcasting, a mock game for students majoring in radio - television to act as MCs on live radio, and a display on multimedia broadcasting techniques.
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Radio and television students act as MCs on live radio, as part of activities to observe World Radio Day 2020 in Hanoi on February 13, 2020. (Photo: NDO/Trung Hung)
