Today is World Radio Day.
Radio dated back to the mid- nineteenth century but was first observed in 2012 after UNESCO announced the celebration of the day in its thirty-sixth conference.
Our correspondent Ngozi Obileri sampled opinion of some Broadcasters on significance of the day and reports that the main objective of the day is to make people realise the present-day importance of the medium as a trust worthy news source.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ABS, Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D said Radio is important to social and economic development, and also plays the role of a companion in some homes and offices, as according to him, one may actually be alone but listening to the voices of favourite presenters on radio makes one feel as if he or she has company.
Chief Nworah noted that Radio is useful to businesses and organisations to market and promote their businesses, and ideas.
He said the radio, for example the ABS, inform the people of what the government is doing and also help to explain government policies, adding that Radio serves as a feedback mechanism for government too as the officials listen to the phone calls and comments by listeners.
The ABS Boss added that Radio also helps to entertain the people through the broadcasting of music, drama even as he used the opportunity to praise the courageous work of the hardworking staff of ABS and wish them a happy world radio day.
Chief Nworah also appreciated the various listeners and fans of the ABS who are all over the world and thanked them for their continued support.
In his contribution, the Director News and Current Affairs Department of ABS, Mr Gab Okpalaeze, said radio has refused to be cowed down by the influx of the social media and other new technology in medium of communication due to its portability, ubiquitous nature and companionship.
According to him, radio will continue to prove dependable to Africa and the third world where level of education is not generally high, because radio is user friendly and requires less sophistication to tune in to.
Mr Okpalaeze charged newsmen and other content providers on radio to strive towards making available to the audience rich content, occasioned by thorough research, planning, proper editing, and efficient delivery.