World Radio Day 2025: Date, Evolution and Invention

World Radio Day is observed annually on February 13 to celebrate radio as a powerful medium for communication, information dissemination, and entertainment. It recognizes the impact of radio in fostering dialogue, promoting democratic values, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. Established by UNESCO in 2011, and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this global observance highlights the crucial role radio plays in society, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

The Evolution of Radio

The Birth of Radio Technology

The journey of radio technology began in the late 19th century, with numerous scientists contributing to its development. Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor, is credited with making the first successful radio transmission in 1895. However, Jagadish Chandra Bose, an Indian scientist, had demonstrated the principles of radio wave transmission earlier, in November 1895.

The Growth of Radio as a Medium

Commercial radio broadcasting became widespread in the early 1920s. By the 1950s, radio had established itself as a major source of information and entertainment worldwide. Over the decades, technological advancements enabled the expansion of radio, making it accessible to people across all socio-economic backgrounds.

Understanding How Radio Works

Radio functions on the principle of electromagnetic wave transmission. It involves two essential components:

• Radio Transmitter: Converts sound into electromagnetic waves and transmits them.
• Radio Receiver: Captures the transmitted waves and converts them back into sound.

Radio waves are measured in frequency, which determines the mode of transmission:

• AM (Amplitude Modulation): Uses kiloHertz (kHz) frequency, offering broader coverage but lower sound quality.
• FM (Frequency Modulation): Uses megaHertz (MHz) frequency, providing higher sound quality with limited coverage.

The Role of Radio in Modern Society

Radio remains one of the most widely consumed media worldwide. According to the United Nations, radio plays a critical role in:

• Promoting Diversity: Providing a platform for various cultures, languages, and perspectives.
• Disseminating Information: Broadcasting news, educational content, and emergency alerts.
• Connecting Communities: Reaching people in rural and isolated areas where internet access may be limited.
• Empowering People: Giving voice to underrepresented communities and fostering public engagement.

Radio Broadcasting in India

Early Development

The history of radio in India dates back to the early 1920s. The first radio programme was aired in 1923 by the Radio Club of Bombay. Around the same time, the Indian Broadcast Company (IBC) was inaugurated in Bombay by Lord Irwin, the then-Viceroy of India.

Growth of All India Radio (AIR)

One of the most significant milestones in Indian radio history was the establishment of All India Radio (AIR) in 1956. Today, AIR is one of the largest radio networks in the world, broadcasting in multiple languages and dialects.

The Emergence of FM Radio

• FM broadcasting in India commenced on July 23, 1977, in Chennai.
• Until 1993, AIR had a monopoly over radio broadcasting.
• The first private FM radio station, Radio City Bangalore, was launched on July 3, 2001.
• Despite privatization, private FM stations in India are prohibited from broadcasting news.

The Invention of Radio: Who Deserves the Credit?

The Contributions of Jagadish Chandra Bose

Jagadish Chandra Bose, a pioneering Indian scientist, demonstrated the transmission of electromagnetic waves in November 1895 at Town Hall in Calcutta. During this demonstration, he:

• Transmitted waves over a distance of 75 feet.
• Made the waves pass through walls to ring a bell remotely.
• Used electromagnetic waves to ignite gunpowder.

Bose’s work laid the foundation for the development of wireless communication, and he is often regarded as the father of wireless telecommunication.

The Achievements of Guglielmo Marconi

While Bose focused on scientific discovery, Guglielmo Marconi developed the radio transmitter, making wireless communication practical. Marconi’s key contributions include:

• The first long-distance radio transmission in the 1890s.
• Winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909, alongside Karl Ferdinand Braun, for their pioneering work in wireless telegraphy.

The Continued Relevance of Radio

Despite advancements in digital media, radio remains a vital part of daily life due to:

• Accessibility: Reaches people without internet access or smartphones.
• Reliability: Functions even during emergencies when other communication channels fail.
• Affordability: Requires minimal infrastructure, making it cost-effective for users and broadcasters.

World Radio Day 2024: Key Highlights

Category	Details
Why in News?	World Radio Day is observed annually on February 13 to celebrate radio as a powerful medium for communication, information dissemination, and entertainment.
Established By	UNESCO in 2011, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013.
Significance	Recognizes radio’s role in fostering dialogue, promoting democracy, and ensuring diverse voices are heard.
Birth of Radio Technology	Guglielmo Marconi made the first successful radio transmission in 1895, but Jagadish Chandra Bose demonstrated radio wave transmission earlier in November 1895.
Growth of Radio	– Commercial radio broadcasting began in the 1920s. – By the 1950s, radio became a major global information and entertainment source.
How Radio Works?	– Radio Transmitter: Converts sound into electromagnetic waves. – Radio Receiver: Captures and converts waves back into sound.
Types of Radio Transmission	– AM (Amplitude Modulation): Uses kHz frequency, has broader coverage but lower sound quality. – FM (Frequency Modulation): Uses MHz frequency, provides better sound quality but limited coverage.
Role of Radio in Society	– Promotes Diversity: Provides a platform for multiple cultures and languages. – Disseminates Information: Broadcasts news, education, and emergency alerts. – Connects Communities: Reaches rural and isolated areas. – Empowers People: Gives voice to underrepresented groups.
Radio in India	– The first radio program aired in 1923 by the Radio Club of Bombay. – All India Radio (AIR) was established in 1956, now one of the world’s largest radio networks. – FM Broadcasting started in Chennai on July 23, 1977. – Private FM stations emerged in 2001 but are restricted from broadcasting news.
Who Invented Radio?	– Jagadish Chandra Bose (1895): Demonstrated electromagnetic wave transmission, passed waves through walls, ignited gunpowder remotely. – Guglielmo Marconi: Developed the first practical radio transmitter, conducted long-distance transmissions, and won the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Relevance of Radio Today	– Accessible: Works without internet or smartphones. – Reliable: Functions during emergencies. – Affordable: Requires minimal infrastructure.