How AI can transform radio broadcasting?

• The United Nations observes World Radio Day on February 13.

• It marks the day United Nations Radio was established in 1946.

• Eighty years ago, as the world emerged from the devastation of the Second World War, UN Radio began broadcasting from modest studios at UN Headquarters in New York, reaching audiences with news bulletins and feature programmes in five languages, often transmitting entire Security Council proceedings.

• Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. At the global level, radio remains the most widely consumed medium. 

• This unique ability to reach out the widest audience means radio can shape a society’s experience of diversity, stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. 

• Radio is a low-cost medium specifically suited to reaching remote communities and vulnerable people, offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. 

• It also plays a crucial role in emergency communication and disaster relief.

• Radio is uniquely positioned to bring communities together and foster positive dialogue for change. 

• This year’s theme is ‘Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice’.

AI can drive the next wave of media innovation

• Radio stands at a moment of transformation where AI can help strengthen its core mission: informing, educating, and entertaining. 

• By automating routine tasks — like scheduling, voice-tracking, weather and sports updates, and administrative workflows — stations can free teams to focus on creativity and connection.

• Today AI opens a new chapter: not just for innovation but for deepening their bond with listeners.

• AI also supports deeper audience insights, more relevant advertising, personalised listening experiences, and the amplification of under represented voices. 

• With tools that enhance fact checking, validation, and archival discovery, radio can deliver higher quality content while maintaining human judgment at the center.

• To use AI responsibly, broadcasters need thoughtful strategy rather than just technology.

• This includes creating ethical internal policies, protecting privacy and data ownership, ensuring transparency, and handling generative audio with care.

• When used ethically and responsibly to support professional judgement, creativity and public service values, AI can become an ally in strengthening audience trust.