Challenges to traditional radio

Addressing the ongoing RadioAsia conference in Hanoi on July 30, Mottaghi stressed the social and mobile media revolution offers broadcasters an unprecedentedly efficient platform for communicating traditional broadcast content.

Young people need an opportunity to tell their own stories and to learn from the stories of others. Radio professionals fear the young will abandon the medium if conservatism triumphs and popular modern platforms and devices are not wholeheartedly embraced.

ABU Secretary General Javad Mottaghi

Mottaghi called for the radio industry to expand its device coverage, prioritise audience engagement, and adjust to the digital age.

He noted digital radio advances offer the industry the chance to communicate through new applications, database services, motion graphics, and still pictures. But captivating content will remain the key driver behind radio’s success.

AMIC Secretary General Martin Hadlow

Asian Media Information and Communications Centre Secretary-General Associate Professor Martin Hadlow described radio as one of the most flexible, influential, and effective means of communication, a valuable tool complemented by the increasing popularity of online streaming and social media.

According to United Nations statistics, over more than 75% of developing country households throughout the world have radio access. About 44,000 radio stations are in operation globally.

Radio can reach the remotest areas and its messages break through illiteracy, understandable by all. Radio can give the public opportunities to learn, life-saving emergency information, news, culture, and entertainment.

Panel discussion on July 30

Radio Asia conference attendees exchanged views on upgrading broadcasting facilities and expanding the medium’s social role and responsibilities in the era of digitisation.

Community radio and citizen journalism are two of the major themes for discussion during the remainder of the conference’s programme.