LOC11:20
08:20 GMT
News report by Reem Al-Deraawy
KUWAIT, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- Kuwait joins countries around the world on Friday in marking World Radio Day 2026, commemorating a medium that has, for decades, enhanced awareness and knowledge while conveying key events across the globe.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed February 13 as World Radio Day in 2011, a date later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, which coincides with the anniversary of the launch of UN Radio in 1946.
On this occasion, the world recognizes radio's impact in connecting societies, promoting dialogue and raising public awareness of the importance of radio all around the world,
This year it is held under the theme "Artificial Intelligence: A Tool, Not a Voice," focusing on integrating modern technology into radio broadcasting while preserving human oversight.
The theme underscores that AI should support, not replace, human judgment, warning that overreliance on automation could undermine credibility and increase risks of misinformation.
According to the UN, the 2026 initiative encourages radio stations to view AI as an opportunity for growth and innovation, provided it is used ethically and responsibly to uphold professional standards, creativity and public service values- thereby strengthening audience trust.
Recently, AI has enabled radio stations to better analyze audience preferences, tailor content in real time, improve production efficiency and enhance interactivity, reinforcing radio's sustainability in the information age.
In Kuwait, the first broadcast of Kuwait Radio began with the well-known phrase "This is Kuwait" at 7:00 p.m. on May 12, 1951, transmitted from a small device in a room at the former Police and Public Security building headed by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.
In June 1960, Kuwait Radio introduced its first news bulletin, followed in October by four full newscasts and three brief bulletins daily.
The station today houses a comprehensive archive featuring recordings and interviews with prominent artists, scholars and public figures locally and across the Arab world.
During the Iraqi invasion in 1990, Iraqi forces occupied the radio station and Ministry of Information buildings. Within days, however, Kuwait Radio resumed broadcasting from Al-Khafji in Saudi Arabia, later moving to Ras Al-Zour and subsequently to Dammam at the onset of the liberation war.
It continued 24-hour transmissions, delivering news and messages in cooperation with coalition and friendly Arab stations.
Kuwait Radio also began broadcasting from Cairo on January 1, 1991, via the Sawt Al-Arab network under the name "Kuwait Radio from Cairo," continuing until 1992.
In 1996, Kuwait Radio inaugurated the Middle East's largest news studio at the time, capable of linking more than four correspondents live to provide comprehensive regional and international coverage.
Over seven decades, Kuwait Radio has played a pivotal role in achieving its media objectives, earning numerous awards at regional and international festivals.
In 2019, the Arab States Broadcasting Union selected Kuwait Radio as the Arab hub for World Radio Day celebrations.
In November 2024, the Union endorsed Saad Al-Fendi, Director of the General Program at Kuwait Radio, as First Vice-Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Broadcasting (ASBU), coinciding with Kuwait's designation as Arab Capital of Culture and Arab Media Capital for 2025. (end)
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