UNICEF-AIR hold dialogue on relevance of radio in the age of Artificial Intelligence

Senior Correspondent

Newsbits.in 

BHOPAL: UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the All India Radio (AIR), celebrated World Radio Day 2026 on 11 February under the global theme “AI & Radio: Voice of Children.”

Students, AIR presenters, media professionals and communication experts participated in a dialogue on the relevance of radio in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

The audience had participation of children from Bhopal, Dhar, Jhabua and Radio professionals from Bhopal from All India radio and RJs of Lakecity live, Jagran LakeCity University. The event was a precursor to upcoming World Radio Day on February 13.

Interacting with participants, William Hanlon, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, highlighted radio’s enduring role in promoting child rights Iin Madhya Pradesh.

He noted how “Radio has stood by communities during disasters and public health crises as a trusted and accessible source of information,” adding that while AI is evolving rapidly, responsible communication still depends on human judgment and accountability.

Rajesh Bhatt, Programme Director, AIR, reflected on AIR’s nearly 90-year legacy. Despite competition from print, television, social media and now AI, radio has continued to evolve.

“Each challenge has become an opportunity for us to innovate,” he said, emphasizing continuity, ethical responsibility and reliability as radio’s defining strengths.

UNICEF MP’s Communication Specialist Anil Gulati said that Radio is theatre of mind and is trustworthy medium of communication. He said that we saw positive role of Radio during COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even during this digital age, radio has continued to adapt forms while retaining its essence’ UNICEF and All India radio has worked together to on many areas of child rights like promoting breastfeeding, immunization,  use of ORS, promoting practices for child health etc.

Experts like Nidhi Kaushik, Podcaster, Radio anchors of All India Radio like Shikha, Juhi Rao, Pehal, Sadhna Jain, RJs of Radio Lakecity Live, radio station of Jagran LakeCity and youth agreed that although AI can support scripting and production, it cannot replace the emotional depth, credibility and human connection of radio broadcasting.

Students raised questions on AI-generated misinformation and the relevance of radio in the era of podcasts and streaming platforms.

Speakers emphasized that AI outputs depend on source data and lack the editorial diligence exercised by trained presenters. Participants also noted that radio promotes imagination, balanced news consumption, language development and listening skills.

The event concluded with a clear message: while technology continues to evolve, the trust, ethics and human connection embedded in radio remain irreplaceable.