In a vibrant celebration marking World Radio Day 2026, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, in partnership with All India Radio (AIR), hosted an event in Bhopal under the global theme ‘AI and Radio: Amplifying Children’s Voices.’ The gathering highlighted radio’s enduring role as a lifeline during disasters and public health emergencies.
William Hanlon, head of UNICEF’s Madhya Pradesh field office, emphasized how radio has been instrumental in promoting child rights. ‘Radio has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with communities as a reliable and accessible source of information during calamities and health crises,’ he stated. The event drew students, AIR presenters, media professionals, and communication experts for a panel discussion on radio’s relevance in the AI era.
Hanlon elaborated on radio’s steadfast contributions in Madhya Pradesh, noting its unmatched reach even as technology evolves. Despite AI’s rapid advancements, he stressed that responsible communication hinges on human judgment and accountability. ‘AI may innovate, but it can’t replace the trust built through genuine human interaction,’ he added.
Rajesh Bhat, program head at AIR, reflected on the broadcaster’s nearly 90-year legacy. Facing competition from print, TV, social media, and now AI, radio continues to thrive. ‘Every challenge has spurred us to innovate,’ Bhat said, underscoring continuity, ethical responsibility, and reliability as radio’s core strengths. He pointed to AIR’s growing popularity as proof of its resilience.
UNICEF communication specialist Anil Gulati described radio as ‘the theater of the mind’ and a trusted medium. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it played a pivotal role in disseminating vital information. Even in the digital age, radio retains its essence while adapting seamlessly.
Students raised concerns about AI-generated misinformation and the rise of podcasts and streaming. Speakers countered that AI outputs depend on source data and lack the editorial rigor of trained presenters. The discussion reinforced radio’s irreplaceable value in fostering informed communities, especially for children, ensuring its voice remains loud and clear in an AI-driven world.