World Radio Day focuses on role of radio in disaster management
ITU reiterates commitment to effective and rapid response in emergencies
Geneva, 12 February 2016 – World Radio Day on 13 February
brings attention to the role of radio in managing disasters and recovery in
their aftermath.
Radio is recognized as a low-cost medium, specifically suited to reach remote
communities and is especially effective in reaching people affected by disasters
when other means of communication are disrupted. Terrestrial radio broadcasts
are effective in providing timely, relevant and practical information to people
who are confused and demoralised by the impact of a crisis. Broadcast
information is particularly useful in situations where physical access is
difficult and aid responders may take several days or weeks to reach affected
communities.
Recent natural and man-made disasters are a major cause for concern to the
global community. “In times of crisis and emergency, radio can be a lifeline,”
said
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “For people
in shattered societies, or caught in catastrophe, or desperately seeking news,
radio brings lifesaving information. This year, as we start carrying out the
Sustainable Development Goals, let us resolve to use radio for human progress.
On this World Radio Day, let us resolve to prove that radio saves lives.”
“Radiocommunication is indispensable in saving lives in the event of a
natural disaster,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “Collaborating and
sharing experiences is critical in order to support national and regional
preparedness, and ITU is deeply committed to facilitating rapid and effective
response in emergencies.”
“Amidst the ruins and in the face of an emergency, the radio is often the
first medium for survival,” says Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. “Its
durability is an incomparable advantage, often enabling it to resist shocks and
re-transmit messages of protection and prevention to as many people as possible,
better and faster than other media, saving lives.”
New developments in radio technology and in the transmission and delivery of
radio content, especially through mobile devices and through on-demand media
platforms, further extend the means to engage disaster-affected communities.
These digital innovations are increasingly important in delivering effective
disaster preparedness and prevention, while reinforcing the importance of
community radio services.
ITU has developed a number of standards for effective emergency
radiocommunications, recognizing that direct communication via radio helps
reduce the sense of isolation and helplessness experienced by crisis-affected
communities. Recommendation ITU-R BT.1774-2 is the standard that relates to
emergency warning systems for analogue broadcasting, which facilitates the use of satellite and terrestrial broadcast
infrastructures for public warning, disaster mitigation and relief.
In addition, the 2015 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15)
identified spectrum to facilitate mobile broadband communications for robust and
reliable mission-critical emergency services in public protection and disaster
relief (PPDR), such as police, fire, ambulances and disaster response teams.
WRC-15 also reinforced protection to search and rescue beacons to uplink to
satellites, such as the Cospas-Sarsat system, which has assisted in rescuing
over 37,000 people worldwide since December 2013.
World Radio Day marks the anniversary of the first broadcast by UN Radio in
1946, when it transmitted its first call sign: “This is the United Nations
calling the peoples of the world.” Ever since, UN Radio broadcasts have
highlighted the principles of the United Nations to foster world peace and
development. World Radio Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of
radio, facilitate access to information through radio, and enhance networking
among broadcasters.
| David Wood on Radio in times of
emergency and disaster |
Christoph Dosch on The vital importance
of broadcasting in disasters |
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For more information:
Or contact:
Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU
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