On the small island nation of Niue in the South Pacific Ocean, over six hundred radios were gifted to every household to mark World Radio Day (WRD) on February 13.
The radios, donated by the People’s Republic of China, were distributed by national broadcaster Broadcasting Corporation of Niue (BCN) and the Associate Minister of Broadcasting Esa Mona Ainuu.
Ainuu, a former journalist, spoke about the significance of Radio in providing information and keeping our population updated on what is happening around the island. She said that radio is still the preferred source of information for many, especially the elderly.
Alofi South village councillor Ettie Pasene-Mizziebo that she listens to the radio all the time because she loves music and the radio is her main source of information.
General Manager of BCN, Trevor Tiakia said that they realise how valuable a radio is to a household and especially during cyclones or any disaster.
The only radio station in Niue, Radio Sunshine is part of BCN.
Its senior reporter Esther Pavihi posted a note on Facebook to commemorate WRD, saying: “I started working on radio in 1998 with Evaeva Niue under the tutelage of Lofa Rex and Ida Hekesi. Thirty odd years later I’m still on radio with the news and current affairs. Working on radio is a responsibility to our audience … to keep them informed, educated and entertained, and shaping national conversations on issues that matter to our society. Today Feb 13th is World Radio Day…Fakaaue lahi to all whose voices keep us informed and entertained, those who wake us up in the mornings and keep us company during cyclones.”