In the western world, the radio is mainly used as an entertainment medium. We tend to think that we don’t use of radio for practical and communication purposes anymore since the world wide web is so easily accessible and has much more information and variety than the radio.
However, if we take a look at this map representing the countries that use the radio the most, we understand why its use does not decrease as the internet rises up.
An image from the Corruption Perceptions Index shows the U.S. with a score of 76, on a scale of 0-100. The top spot (judged the least corrupt) was taken by Denmark, with a score of 91
Radio is THE medium of communication of the third world countries. To have access to the internet, we need a device that has access to it such as a cellphone or a computer.
10 percent of the world’s population lives on less than 1.90$ a day, so obviously cannot afford a computer or a cellphone. The cost of a basic radio is around 4$, which is accessible to almost anyone.
Radio is the most physically reliable medium. When there is a tornado, a hurricane, a bombing, etc, we need the information as fast as possible.
Some of our phones have a natural disaster alert, but once you are hidden in your basement praying for your life, you might not want to take the time to google the itinerary of the tornado, or you even may not have access to the internet. The radio will keep you updated 24/7 not matter what.
In countries at war, radio is essential for the army as much as for the people. For obvious reasons, the army can’t give its orders on a live Facebook or on a Snapchat group chat, the safest medium is the radio.
Radio is the most efficient medium to alert the people in case of a bombing or an attack. Since every car, store, house and school has a radio that most likely runs 24/7, they can be warned at any place, and at any moment.
Radio is all about content. As social media, television, YouTube and cinema are a lot about appearance, the radio is only about content.
We don’t know how old, tall or what race the person is, which allows us to concentrate on what the person is saying. No prejudice, discrimination or stereotyping while listening to the radio. Especially if you are listening to a music channel.
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