February 13 is marked as the World Radio Day every year. The day is marked to draw attention to the unique value of radio, which remains the medium, to reach the widest audience.
Despite significant growth of digital media in the country, Radio is still a popular mode of entertainment for people living in remote areas. People rely on radio for information, entrainment and news to keep up with the rest of the country. For most of them, radio has been their only connection with the world outside their village.
“Radio has played an important role in our lives. It was difficult to buy a radio set in the past but listening radio brought joy in us. Now our country has developed a lot and we have the option to watch TV or listen to radio,” said Karma Tenzin, a local resident in Kanglung.
However, things are now changing. With the government’s effort to provide electricity to every nook and corner of the country, people are slowly switching to other modes of entertainment like television. But for those who does not have access to electricity and who cannot afford to buy TV sets, they still rely on radio for information.
“Before, when there was no Radio, we had to walk several days carrying Kashos to convey messages to the people. There was no source of news back then,” remembers Karchung, adding that now with the help radio people can get news anytime through radio. “It is convenient for us now.”
As in the past, people are expecting radio to play a vital role during the upcoming elections. Many people whom BBS spoke to said they are eagerly waiting for BBS to launch its second radio channel. The channel will be completely in Dzongkha and will go on air on February 21, coinciding with the His Majesty’s birthday.
The launching of the second radio channel is seen as timely especially with the second parliamentary elections nearing.
