Radio stations in Seychelles join the rest of the world today to mark World Radio Day ? a day decided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation at its 36th conference back in November 2011 to raise public awareness of the importance of radio and to encourage decision makers to use it to provide access to information and to improve international cooperation among broadcasters.
It is considered as one of the most popular United Nations (UN) international days and in Seychelles the day has been celebrated ever since it was initiated. This year’s theme is ‘Radio and Peace’ to highlight radio’s role as a vehicle for peace.
The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SC), which has two radio stations ? Radyo Sesel and Paradise FM ? is putting a lot of emphasis on the theme by hosting various special programmes today highlighting their role in promoting peace.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, head of radio production, Nathalie Rose, said the main one is a discussion on the theme, where all the participants will be the radio presenters themselves, who will talk about their role and how they see their input. The discussion will be aired on Radyo Sesel at 8.30pm and on SBC 2 television channel at 9pm today.
Earlier in the day, there will also be another programme ? MIC live ? on Paradise FM, with the participation of Dr Valentina Seth and Robert Ah-Weng, who will be addressing the positivity and inner peace angle.
“When we say peace, we are not referring only to wars and conflicts, but we also want to address inner peace, so we are looking at all facets of peace,” said Ms Rose.
The presenters will also be talking about local and international personalities who have promoted peace, and listeners are also being invited today to interact with the radio presenters through their various shows.
Ms Rose said that in 2023, radio still has its relevance despite the various competitions by other medium and the introduction of social media.
“Radio still has that edge on social media because it can still reach places that maybe will not be accessible to those on social media or have the same impact as a radio would have. Our biggest task is to ensure we continue to remain relevant despite all these developments. For example, we now have Radyo Sesel, which is on an FM channel, there again, you have to find content to make it more interesting and keep it relevant, updated and appealing to listeners. We must recognise though that having online platforms have also helped bring radio closer to more people, because now you can listen to the radio anywhere, if you have internet access,” said Ms Rose.
For private station, Pure 907, the day will also emphasise on the international theme. According to the station manager, Sergio ‘Jio’ Ah-Kong, the presenters will be sending messages of peace and he is encouraging their listeners to participate by sending their messages of peace for airing.
“As professionals we must be unbiased and independent during reporting and when putting out contents especially on conflicts, for example the Ukraine and Russian conflicts. So today we will send message of peace and encourage peace through the airwaves both local and international as well,” said Mr Ah-Kong.
He also highlighted the benefits of radio being online “as it can touch a wider audience across the world and different cultures, and it is an immediate way to give listeners real time information”.
“Radio is much more relevant, special in the times that we are in, full of conflicts both new and older ones, across regions that we can use radio as a medium to educate and maybe spark change and encourage peace,” said Mr Ah-Kong.
The other private radio station, K-radio, will also spice up its airwaves today with messages of peace, and according to one of its owners, Aubrey, ‘AAP’ Philo, radio, despite all the advancement in technology and means of broadcasting, remains very relevant in Seychelles as people still tune in at a point or another during the day to get their slice of radio.
“While the country remains relatively stable, radio needs to be used for the advancement of positivity, self-development, and actualisation. Radio needs to be redefined from what it was, and we need more innovation. The internet offers endless competition to our stations here but what keeps us relevant is our culture and language and the deeply rooted habit of turning on the radio,” said Mr Philo.
Like Ms Rose, he strongly believes that things should be taken to another level and make radio more than what it is today!
“This is what k-radio strives for! Radio is here but the future is even more exciting and can’t wait to see where it takes us. We are still miles apart from the world but with the Midas touch we can keep the medium relevant and keep the culture going,” concluded Mr Philo.
Seychelles’ first radio station began broadcasting in July 1965 and it was Radio Seychelles, which is presently part of the SBC.
Back then it aired in the evening only starting at 6pm to 8.30pm for two and a half hours.
Seychelles NATION would like to wish all the presenters and their audience a Happy radio day!
Source: Seychelles Nation