75% of Afghanistan population still listens to radio

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The world celebrated February 13 as Radio Day, at a time when 75 percent of people in Afghanistan still listen to radio. Around the globe, February 13 is celebrated as World Radio Day to highlight the importance of radio as a medium to improve international cooperation between broadcasters and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information, freedom of expression and gender equality over the airwaves.

At the request of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN General Assembly proclaimed February 13 as World Radio Day in December 2012.

Meanwhile, free media advocacy group National Association for Interpretation or NAI chief executive Abdul Mujeeb Khilwatgar told Pajhwok that 75% adults in Afghanistan still listened to radio, 24 percent watched televisions and one percent interested in print media.

He said the number of local radio stations declined from 250 to 54 due to security issues across the country.

Mohammad Zarin Anzoor, the state-run Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA)’ chief, told Pajhwok that they celebrated the World Radio Day at the ART’s hall.

He said radio’s history in Afghanistan dated back to King Amanullah Ghazi’s time and that radio was the only device that could convey information anywhere and anytime event without electricity.

In Afghanistan, over 80 percent people receive information and news on radio, according to a survey conducted by The Asia Foundation. (Pajhwok)