The world may look like it’s already done with traditional media with the advancement of new technologies every year, but in reality, that is not the case. As of June 2018, only 55.1% of the world’s population has internet access while the other half of the world’s population do not. And even as Catholic Media Network adopts to innovative technologies (podcast, digital radio, social media, online news), we are confident that radio remains the primary source of information for most people in the world especially in developing countries like the Philippines.
With much of the developing world lacking electricity, internet access, and other technological advancements that most of the developed countries take for granted — radio is still the most effective way to reach out to people and bring the message of hope.
According to UNESCO, In developing countries, an estimated 75 percent of households have access to a radio, making it an essential and reliable part of disaster and emergency response making Radio a lifeline for many people.
Radio is a platform that allows people to interact, despite different educational levels, so somebody may be illiterate but still be able to call in a show to give testimony and participate in radio
“It’s very local, very community-driven, so people feel that they can really relate to presenters and the conversations on the radio,” According to Amy O’Donnell, a spokesman for the aid organization Oxfam, (source: Al Jazeera.)
“It’s actually a very inclusive way in local communities for people to have their say and have their voices heard.”
So is radio still relevant in 2019 and for more years to come? The answer is yes. As long as there are people who want to learn, people who want their voice heard, Radio remains to be the primary medium that delivers the message of hope.