World Radio Day is taking place on February 13, 2015. This is an opportunity to celebrate this
medium and its power to connect individuals, communities and regions of the
world through sound.
The transformative
power of radio cannot be underestimated. Through its role in conveying such content as news and public affairs
programs, personal stories and music, radio has been seen throughout history as
a “conduit” of information that is essential to people’s lives on both a local
and global level. Radio remains the one
medium that reaches the greatest number of people worldwide.
On this occasion of World Radio Day, the Global Alliance for
Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) emphasizes the
importance of media and information literacy competencies for radio.
These
competencies include the ability to evaluate the messages and information
received through radio, to understand the ways in which audiences are
identified and addressed, and to be able to use radio and related technologies
to access and share information.
We
also emphasize the important role of community radio and major broadcasters in
promoting freedom of expression and freedom of information through a free,
independent and pluralistic media.
GAPMIL is committed to supporting children and youth in their
efforts to engage in meaningful participation in our world which is driven by
information, media and technology. Media and information literacy (MIL) is
concerned with developing citizens’ critical understanding of information and
media, as well as the roles these play in all aspects of their daily lives
and in society as a whole.
MIL is also concerned with supporting young people to become
active citizens as they navigate the plethora of information and media messages
that they encounter, and as they explore the potential positive and negative
aspects of information and media content.
The type of information we access, whether through such media as
radio, Internet, or books, may influence our behavior, as well as the way we
see ourselves and others. Media and information literacy competencies and
access to radio and other media and information technology are all important to ensure children’s and
youth’s full-fledged development and participation in inclusive and just
societies.
We urge all MIL and radio enthusiasts around the world to use the
occasion of the World Radio Day to help young girls and boys acquire MIL
competencies and to encourage both community radio and major networks to
promote MIL.
At the level of GAPMIL, we shall continue to pursue programmes and
initiatives that put the Media and Information Literacy competencies at the
forefront of global discourse as radio continues to evolve in our digital
age.
Note:
GAPMIL
was launched in June 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria, by UNESCO, UNAOC, and other
partners, during the Global Forum for Partnerships on MIL, incorporating the
International Conference on MIL and Intercultural Dialogue.
It aims
to promote media and information literacy (MIL) as a means to open and
inclusive development. For more information on GAPMIL, please visit: http://www.unesco.org/new/.../gapmil_framework_and_action_plan. We encourage you to join the Alliance.
Signed
GAPMIL, International Steering Committee
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