On World Radio Day 2020 (WRD 2020), UNESCO and UN calls on radio stations to uphold diversity, both in their newsroom and on the airwaves.
This edition of WRD is divided into three main sub-themes:
- Advocating for pluralism in radio, including a mix of public, private and community broadcasters;
- Encouraging representation in the newsroom, with teams comprised of diverse society groups;
- Promoting a diversity of editorial content and programme types reflecting the variety of the audiences.
Diversity in the radio landscape
Diversity of voices and opinions in radio relies first on the degree of media concentration and the coexistence of different types of stations with a mix of public, private and community broadcasters. The development of policy environments conducive to transparency an diversity of media ownership is the keystone to a pluralistic, inclusive and democratic radio sector. Technological advances are also participating to diversity the radio sector: DAB/ DAB+, DRM, IBOC, ISDB-TSB...
Diversity in the newsroom
Editorial teams are usually comprised by staff from majority groups. Throught equal opportunity and fair treament policies, which prevent discrimination based on factors such as gender, origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, social and socio-economic backgrounds and/or political party, radio stations could gain multi-cultutral teams that bring along different perspectives on issues, opinions and stories, thus enhancing their credibility vis-a-vis listeners. A diverse and representative radio workforce is not only important for countering discrimination and ensuring gender representation, its is cricial for creativity and relevance of content. It thus safeguards editorial independence.
Diversity on the airwaves
Thought diverse channels of transmission, types of editorial content, programming and topics, radio reaches the widest audience globally and opens up a multitude of spaces for democratic debate on an infinity of subjects. Radio stations can offer a wide array of shows and programmes - from reportages and documentaries to talk shows and podcast, there is something for each of us, Within the programme, diversity in the choice of angles, languages, musi, invited guests and sources can futher portray, engage and reflect the diversity of humanitym thus fostering tolerance, inclusion and solidarity. It is essential for media pluralism, and broadens journalist and programme makers creativity.
