Radios have important functions, especially during the pandemic

Cyprus International University, Faculty of Communication Department of Radio, Television and Cinema Chair, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sevilay Ören, speaking within the scope of World Radio Day, stated that although the radio is no longer a device that has rapidly adapted to the social and technological developments of the world, it continues to broadcast on digital platforms today.

Stating that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the 13th February as World Radio Day in an effort to draw attention to its importance in our lives, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ören emphasized that as a mass media medium, the radio has access to mobile listeners, thus reaching a wider audience.

Stating that in line with the changes in the world, the development and transformation experienced by the radio are especially important, she reminded that especially during natural disasters, socio-economic crisis and epidemic periods, the radio upholds important functions.

By emphasizing the Covid-19 epidemic process that affected the entire world, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ören went on to say, "In the period of social isolation due to the epidemic, the radio serves as one of the fastest and easiest ways to access news and information".

Conveying that the radio informed the audience of the measures taken by the State and the relevant institutions during this process via announcements and public announcements, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ören stated that the radio, which has changed and got stronger via new technologies, adhered to ethical principles during this extraordinary period, and pointed out that it is important to prepare with the responsibility and public service broadcasting awareness that broadcasting requires.

“Faculty of Communication graduates obtaining more roles in the sector should be ensured”.

Pointing out the importance of preventing the spreading of false information and information pollution during this critical process, Ören went on to advise, “this can be achieved via the employment of qualified and educated publishers. At this point, graduates of the Faculty of Communication obtaining more roles in the sector should be ensured”.

Pointing out that the radio is a tool that creates social solidarity, unity, and togetherness, in her statement, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ören concluded that this feature of the radio came to the fore during the coronavirus epidemic.