World Radio Day 2026
awarenessSaturday, February 13, 2027
151 days from today · next occurrence
About World Radio Day
World Radio Day celebrates the medium that has informed, entertained, and connected people for more than a century. Observed every year on February 13, the day was proclaimed by UNESCO to honor radio's enduring power and to encourage international cooperation among broadcasters.
Radio remains one of the most accessible forms of media on the planet. It reaches remote villages, busy commuters, and listeners without reliable internet, and it costs little to produce and receive. During emergencies, radio is often the last channel standing, delivering evacuation alerts and safety information when power and phone networks fail.
Each year UNESCO sets a theme, from radio and peace to radio and sports, and stations around the world respond with special programming. Community broadcasters, long-time hosts, podcasters, and national networks all find common ground on February 13 in celebrating a technology that refuses to fade away.
When is World Radio Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 13, 2026 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 13, 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13, 2028 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 13, 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 13, 2030 | Wednesday |
History of World Radio Day
February 13 was chosen for World Radio Day because it marks the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946, a milestone in international broadcasting. Spain first proposed the observance, UNESCO's General Conference proclaimed it in November 2011, and the United Nations General Assembly endorsed it as an international day the following year. The first celebration took place on February 13, 2012. The date also nods deeper into history: radio's scientific roots trace back to the experiments of Heinrich Hertz and the first long-distance transmissions of Guglielmo Marconi in the late nineteenth century. Since 2012 the day has grown into a global platform for press freedom, community media, and radio's role in disaster response.
How to Celebrate World Radio Day
- Tune in to a radio station from another country or culture for an evening.
- Call in to a local station's request line or talk show and support community broadcasting.
- Try building a simple crystal radio kit to see how the technology works.
- Listen to a radio drama or a documentary special produced for World Radio Day.
- Thank a radio host or journalist whose reporting keeps you informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is World Radio Day?
- World Radio Day is observed every year on February 13, a fixed date chosen to honor the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946.
- Is World Radio Day a public holiday?
- No. World Radio Day is a UNESCO international observance, not a public holiday. Broadcasters, schools, and workplaces operate normally, with special programming marking the occasion.
- How do people celebrate World Radio Day?
- People celebrate by listening to special broadcasts, touring stations, supporting community and college radio, and sharing stories about radio's history and its role in emergencies.