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Today (Friday 13th February) is World Radio Day and its theme is ‘youth’. Tom Baker explains how ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Media Action is using the unique power of radio to inform, connect and empower young people around the world.

There are so many development days in the calendar, why does World Radio Day stand out for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Media Action?

We’re celebrating World Radio Day because radio plays such an important role in helping young people have a voice around the world - whether it’s to share their opinions or concerns, debate issues that matter to them or even to hold those in power to account.

Give us a flavour of the type of youth radio shows ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Media Action is producing in Africa…

In Somalia we’re reaching younger audiences through a weekly radio drama called (Better Days than Today). Essentially it’s a soap opera following young characters as they go through life’s ups and downs.

Most excitingly, every four weeks we give listeners the opportunity to vote on the outcome of the drama and the direction the characters will take.

In Tanzania we have a national radio show called (Tell Me) which is all about giving young people the information they need ahead of the local parliamentary and presidential election.

There’s a whole generation voting for the first time. They will be voting for a new government and possibly even a new constitution so it’s really important that they get reliable and clear information.

In Nigeria we’ve also been doing a lot ahead of elections. ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Media Action’s Nigeria team are working on a really diverse set of that are broadcast all across the country to really capture the imagination of young people in Nigeria.

In a world full of new technology, why is radio still relevant?

What’s special about radio is its enduring popularity and that reaches more people in more places than any other medium.

More importantly it allows us to reach people in rural communities which we just wouldn’t be able to do with things like the internet. 

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