Celebrating Radio for Diversity- World Radio Day 2020 in Ethiopia

The national broadcaster, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation-EBC- in partnership with UNESCO Addis Ababa Office, Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority, US Embassy and others organize a national event to celebrate the World Radio Day in Ethiopia. This event will be broadcasted nationwide. The Celebration includes panel discussions, messaging on the day's theme and award ceremonies for best radio shows and journalists.
In Ethiopia where the majority of the population depend and choose radio as its main source of news and information, there are plenty of reasons for celebrating radio. What is more, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), a public broadcaster that hosts three radio channels has every reason to commemorate the day. EBC’s oldest radio station, Ethiopia Radio started service in 1923 in the time of Emperor Haile Selassie I. It broadcasts news and programming in five local languages and it is one of the oldest radio stations in Africa and even in the world. Ethiopia radio played an immense role in the development of Ethiopian media and still holds a unique place in the hearts of Ethiopians. And after 84 years, Ethiopia radio remains the only option for the rural population in Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation also hosts the oldest FM radio channel in Ethiopia. 20 years ago, when FM Addis 97.1 was launched, it has ushered in a new era in the history of the mass media in Ethiopia. The station set the tone to the now proliferated FM radio station in the capital. While FM 97.1 transmits in Amharic, EBC has another station named EBC 104.7 that airs news and programs in English, French and Arabic. It caters to the expat and diplomatic community in Addis Ababa. So, as a pioneer media that hosts three radio stations, EBC is ready to celebrate 2020 world radio day. It is also better positioned to bring radio broadcasters in the country to shape the future radio in Ethiopia together.

To this end, EBC would like to collaborate with other organizations in hosting a world radio day event on February 13, 2020. The event will bring together radio broadcasters, media development organizations and others to celebrate radio. The event set to place on Thursday, February 13, 2020, will host panel discussions, an award ceremony and recognition of loyal radio listeners and radio journalists.