Radio is a part of people’s lives. There are radio sets in cars, offices, clinics and in our very home.
Why do people still listen to the radio? Some say it is to be updated with the latest news, get hooked on the commentary regarding a particular issue or to be entertained while de-stressing. These remain true in spite of the presence of social media and the internet.
Here are five reasons why radio remains indispensable:
Awareness on key issues
Alex Bolongaita, radio commentator of DYRF-AM, emphasized that radio brings awareness on key issues through news and information, by telling what is happening around. In addition, he said that it is important to tell the right information to as many people as possible.
“You tell the people about it, because an uninformed society is an ignorant society. So, that is why radio was invented, to spread proper information to as many people as possible,” he said.
Shaping public opinion
Radio shapes public opinion through news programs and commentary programs. In shaping public opinion through commentary programs, it should not be based on half-truth and half lies, but based on what is happening with supported facts.
“As a commentator, you don’t base the commentary on half-truth and half-lies. What comes out, as is, where is—that is where you begin the commentary,” he said.
Bolongaita added, “The basic thing to do as a commentator, you base your comments on the real events.”
Reporting news and information
Radio plays the role in disseminating information through news, as people are listening, to keep updated on what is happening around, whether it is local, national, international, sports and weather.
In relation to this, Bolongaita emphasized the role of radio news organization, comprising reporters, news editor and news director to be true to their profession in delivering the news. In addition, Bolongaita stressed that news anchors must present the news and never give an opinion after delivering it, unless asked to do so.
Role in crisis response
Radio played the role in disseminating information on crisis response, especially on what to do before a calamity strikes, particularly typhoons, during the calamity, and after the calamity.
In relation to this, Bolongaita said that it is the radio news organization’s duty to disseminate information, particularly the government’s announcement on incoming typhoons and its response, in order to save lives as possible, and to minimize the damages brought to it.
Music and entertainment
Meanwhile, Clifford Flores a.k.a. Simon, program director of Power 89.1 FM, said that radio provides entertainment, in terms of music and information, particularly on FM Radio.
Flores said, “So in terms of entertainment, we play music, plus some helpful information once in a while. Anything that can help the audiences get some facts in their daily life.”
In addition, Flores added that radio stations cater music based on the target market, and depending on the social status, adding that there are radio stations that cater different segments.
Amid the existence of modern technology, radio broadcasting holds its own as people continue to listen to radio to be aware of what is happening around them as well as to be entertained.