World Radio Day 2026: Celebrating the power of radio in Cherokee County and Beyond
Centre- Every day, WEIS Radio has the privilege of connecting with listeners across Cherokee County and the surrounding areas. From local news and school updates to your favorite songs and community events, radio is more than just a broadcast — it’s part of our daily lives. Today, Feb. 13, we celebrate World Radio Day 2026, a reminder of the enduring role radio plays both locally and worldwide.
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and officially adopted by the United Nations in 2012, World Radio Day recognizes radio as a medium that informs, educates, entertains, and unites people. The date was chosen to coincide with the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946, highlighting the medium’s role in fostering dialogue, accessibility, and inclusion.
Even in a world dominated by smartphones, social media, and streaming services, radio remains one of the most widely accessible forms of communication. It is affordable, reliable, and especially vital during emergencies when other forms of communication may fail. For communities like ours in Cherokee County, local radio keeps neighbors informed, connected, and engaged.
2026 theme: Radio and Artificial Intelligence
This year, the focus of World Radio Day is “Radio and Artificial Intelligence.” UNESCO encourages broadcasters and audio creators to explore how AI is reshaping production, personalization, and audience engagement. While technology evolves, the core strengths of radio remain unchanged: trusted voices, local storytelling, and real-time connection with the community.
A brief history of radio
The invention of radio has long been debated. Guglielmo Marconi is known for his wireless telegraphy experiments and for transmitting the first transatlantic signals, securing a patent in England in 1896. Nikola Tesla demonstrated wireless radio earlier, in 1893, and obtained a U.S. patent in 1900. Both men were instrumental in shaping the technology that has allowed radio to reach billions worldwide.
Why radio still matters
Radio’s resilience is unmatched. It provides immediate news and emergency alerts, fosters cultural exchange, and amplifies local voices. Whether it’s covering high school sports, sharing community events, or reporting local weather and traffic, radio continues to be an essential, trusted companion in daily life.
For WEIS, serving Cherokee County and surrounding areas, radio is more than just technology — it’s personal. “We love being part of this community,” says the WEIS team. “From sharing local news and music to connecting people with the stories that matter, radio allows us to be a voice for our neighbors. We appreciate every listener who tunes in and lets us be part of their day.”
Celebrating World Radio Day
Around the world, World Radio Day is marked with events highlighting the medium’s impact. Past themes have focused on diversity, disaster response, youth, climate change, and peace. Today, listeners are encouraged to tune in to their local AM or FM stations, explore internet radio and podcasts, share favorite radio memories on social media using #WorldRadioDay, and support local broadcasters.
A medium that keeps evolving
From early experiments and transatlantic transmissions to digital streaming and AI-assisted production, radio has continually adapted to new technology while keeping its mission the same: connecting people through sound, storytelling, and shared experience.
On this World Radio Day 2026, we celebrate radio’s power — global, local, and personal. Here at WEIS, we are proud to be a part of that legacy, keeping Cherokee County informed, entertained, and connected every day.
