We live in the age of the internet and many other technologies have disappeared because of it. One of those technologies that seem to have withstood the test of time is radio.
In a world where you essentially have a supercomputer in your pocket, is radio still relevant? The answer is yes and for many reasons.
The following are reasons why radio broadcasting is still crucial during the internet age:
Radio Is Free
When you use a phone or computer, you need to at least buy airtime, data and electricity. You also have to pay for many of the services you use online.
On the contrary, all you need to use a radio is a power source. Once you tune in to a station, you are good to go. Therefore, radio is always and forever available.
For those who cannot afford to access information in any other way, radio is a good option. It allows virtually anyone who can buy a radio access to the information carried on thousands of radio waves.
Radio Is Democratic
Radio is a medium that is accessible to all regardless of their social standing in life. It is also very simple to use a radio and requires no education at all as opposed to using smart devices.
It does not take much to broadcast your voice over radio waves. Therefore, with such low barriers to entry, it ensures that there is no centralized control of radio.
In a democratic society, all voices must be heard, even the smallest and radio is a medium that makes that possible. It is a medium that truly epitomizes the freedom of speech.
Radio Is Wide Reaching
Despite the prevalence of smartphones and computers in the modern world, radio is still the most used mass communication medium in the world. It is especially so in undeveloped regions of the world which are still where the vast majority of the population lives.
The far-reaching nature of radio is why it is still used by advertisers. As you will find at TheEmpire.com, even prime media agencies still utilize the medium of radio. It is too valuable not to use it.
Therefore, if you wanted to pass a message to a wide audience, you can still go viral, but radio is also an excellent strategy. Your message will be heard by as many ears as possible.
Many of the people in the world use the radio as their primary source of information. Unfortunately, you can only use radio over a small area whereas the internet is worldwide. So, it should work if you want to send an urgent message o a small group of people.
Preservation of Indigenous Languages
When you log on to the internet, the vast majority of the websites are in English. You can select from a variety of other major languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Spanish or German among others.
There are people living in rural areas who do not understand these languages but would still like access to information like political news. Indigenous radio stations are the best option in this regard.
You will find local radio stations in almost every country around the world. Some of them will be hosted in the local languages.
In a world that is increasingly becoming global and similar, indigenous languages are truly rare and valuable. These local radio stations are playing a crucial role in helping preserve these languages.
Radio Is Affordable
When compared to modern forms of media such as the internet and TV, radio is very affordable. Its affordability means that it can be used by more people than any other medium.
The cost of a smartphone and a laptop are many times more than the cost of a radio. When you use a smartphone or a laptop, you have to use electricity and data. The maintenance cost of the fragile device is also a serious consideration.
In an age where information is largely free and as fast as light, everyone should have access to as much of it as possible. Radio offers a cheap alternative for those who cannot afford other means.
Radio Fosters Community
With the internet, came the image of a global community. It was very exciting that an online community could consist of people from every corner of the globe.
However, history has shown that the internet has made us more disconnected than ever. On the other hand, with radio, a sense of community is inherent in its nature.
Radio can only serve a small distance so only people living in the same place and going through similar situations listen to the station. It really fosters a sense of community among the listeners.
The medium of radio is not as potent as it once was but it still remains relevant and important in the internet age. By fostering a sense of community, being affordable and helping to preserve local languages, it still offers tremendous value to our society.
