(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Qatar University (QU) marked the 9th edition of World Radio Day, annually recognised on February 13 worldwide. The 2021 edition of World Radio Day is based around three subthemes: Evolution, Innovation, and Connection. QU marked this day to shed light on the importance of radio, which remains the medium to reach the widest audience and is currently taking up new technological forms and devices. Radio plays a vital role in emergencies used by emergency and security services to communicate when immediate assistance is required. Radio is also an effective, low-cost medium to broadcast emergency news and updates, available everywhere and suitable to reach remote communities and vulnerable people. Several staff members at Mass Communication Department at QU expressed their sentiments on this day. Dr. Kamal Hamidou, Acting Department Head of Mass Communication at College of Arts and Sciences QU, said, 'Radio is such a medium which will never die, even if we notice a significant decline in the number of people who use this news medium. Like newspapers and television, networks have adapted new ways of technology easily accessed through their mobile phones instead of listening to radio. However, radio remains a medium that can be used during crises, pandemics, and wars. The radio will be an ancient solution to communicate with the masses to reassure them, educate them, or activate them. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shami, Associate Professor of Mass Communication at College of Arts and Sciences QU, shed light on the importance of radio in the media and the podcast's role (podcasting) in the new era. He said that radio plays an important role in raising awareness among the public, despite modern technologies. The 'podcast is one of the examples of this adaptation. Through this technology, the radio has been able to find a place for itself in modern communication platforms to attract the young generation towards this medium. As for the content, the podcast provided the radio with an opportunity to present various exciting topics, which raises awareness and builds knowledge among people. Dr. Fayez Shaheen, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at College of Arts and Sciences QU, discussed the popularity that radio enjoys. 'There is no doubt that the radio is still popular among the public worldwide, and even in the advanced European countries. The radio comes in second place concerning the public choice. Radio educates masses from urban areas and is easily adapted. It plays an important role in developing people's opinion on different issues. 'I think that just as cinema did not die after the invention of television, and television did not die after the invention of the Internet, I also believe that the radio will not die after the invention of podcasting on the Internet, but rather, it will extend its life for a long time, he added. 'The radio remains a beautiful place for constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas within society as well as between people. We have to find a way to teach the children how to enjoy the radio, said Chaker Ayadi, Lecturer of Mass Communication at College of Arts and Sciences QU. World Radio Day aims to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio. The aim is to encourage decision-makers to establish and provide access to information through radio. It is also for improving networking and international cooperation between broadcasters.
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