Month: February 2024

Tomorrow, February 13 is World Radio Day (WRD) as proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO, and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day. The theme for the 13th edition of WRD this year is “Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating”, which shines a broad floodlight on Radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of Radio begs to be trumpeted at full volume. The century is an occasion to proudly celebrate the medium’s extensive virtues and ongoing potency. It comes at an opportune time, as Radio – though statistically popular and enormously trusted by the public – faces increased challenges to audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, pervasive social media, digital and generational divides, the headwinds of censorship and, for some media, stifling consolidation-induced debt as well as economic hardships exacerbated by a soft advertising market.UNESCO invites the worldwide Radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special and pivotal juncture in its century-spanning journey.The 2024 observance highlights:The indelible history of Radio and its powerful impact upon news, drama, music and sportsThe ongoing utilitarian value of Radio as a relatively free and portable public safety net during emergencies and power outages brought on by natural and human-made disasters such as storms, earthquakes, floods, heat, wildfires, accidents and warfare.The continuing democratic value of Radio to serve as a grassroots catalyst for connectedness within underserved groups including immigrant, religious, minority and poverty-stricken populations; and as an instantaneous bellwether of public opinion expressed through the auspices of free speech in the public space.UNESCO recognizes and understands the tremendous variety of business models and technological architecture in Radio around the world as well as the independent nature of its companies and organizations, large and small, plus the idiosyncrasies of its on-air personalities. Thus, broadcasters are encouraged to bring their own culture, style and sensibilities to their individual celebrations leading up to and during the February 13 event.World Radio Day is also an opportunity for radio stations to connect on-air with fellow broadcasters around the world. UNESCO invites radio stations to take the initiative for such broadcasts.It is a remarkable achievement for a major mass communications medium to continue its relevancy past 100 years and still be a force for freedom of expression, joy and knowledge. […]

What’s New February 9, 2024

He’s a pioneer of the sports talk genre. He’s had part of Adelaide Oval named after him.Now, there’s a new honour being bestowed upon much loved radio host Ken Cunningham.Fondly known as KG, the FIVEaa favourite will next month be inducted into the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame.Fitting recognition indeed for the man who has left an indelible mark on Australia’s sports media landscape.In an interview with In Daily’s Michelangelo Rucci, the former Sheffield Shield winning batsman opens up about how he transformed sports radio.Of KG’s days at 5DN, Rucci writes: “By the early 1980s, sporting leaders and stars knew they had to sit with Cunningham in the 5DN studio or be live on the phone to tell their story – unedited, and hopefully without interruption – while thousands tuned in from 4 to 6pm each weekday.”Today – 47 years after he first got behind the mic – 84-year-old KG remains on the airwaves, always advocating for South Australian sport.Cunningham himself is quite amazed by his stellar innings in the broadcasting game.As he tells Rucci “I destroy the English language. I talk too fast. I stutter and sputter. I am an emotional idiot at the drop of a hat. So how do I last for all this time in radio? It’s a miracle.” […]

What’s New February 9, 2024

Broadcaster Bianca Dye had the crowd in hysterics at this morning’s ‘Freedom of Peach’ rally on the Gold Coast.The former Sea FM brekky host was among those to brave a wet morning on the Goldy, to push back against a community leader’s recent comments against skimpy bikini bottoms.The event at Broadbeach attracted dozens of women and men — including some wearing mankinis.Bianca got right into the spirit of things, with her former Nova 969  newsreader Tim Davies getting his pants pulled down on live brekky TV.Bianca apparently decided Tim was a little too overdressed for the occasion and decided to dack him during his live cross.Local swimwear designer Rebecca Pask – who organised the event – says it was all about freedom of choice. […]