The First World Radio Day is being celebrated today.

The observance of the day on February 13 also marks the anniversary of UN Radio, which was launched in 1946.

In her massage, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said, Radio is the mass medium that reaches the widest audience, especially the most marginalised parts of our societies.

She, however, stated that free, independent and pluralistic radio is essential for healthy societies. UNESCO stressed the importance of radio as a vital source of information during natural disasters, and as a central instrument in community life with the potential of mobilising social change.

UNESCO noted that worldwide, up to one billion people still do not have access to radio, naming Nepal as example, where it said that almost one fifth of the people live in areas without radio coverage.

Digital Radio Mondiale,DRM, technology is now revolutionalising radio transmission across the world. The Director General of All India Radio, Mr. Lila Dhar Mandloi said that All India Radio has already started introducing the technology.

Participating in our Spotlight and News Analysis Programmes today, he said that within a year or so all AIR stations in the country will be broadcasting programmes using this technology. It will lend clarity to broadcasts .

Mr. Mandloi said that the contents of AIR broadcasts are changing to suit the changing tastes of the people, particularly the youth.

The full of the interview with Mr. Mandloi can be heard on Rajdhani, FM Gold channels and additional frequencies from 9.30 p.m.