Happy World Radio Day! Radios have been a part of our culture since the first radio broadcast in 1906. That's 120 years of important cultural history. The radio has been an important part of entertainment, news and community connection. At DID Electrical, we have a range of modern radios for you to choose from. To celebrate World Radio Day, we are going to look at the benefits of owning a radio, some interesting historical facts and some of the top choices for sale at DID.
The Benefits of owning a radio
Most of us have several modern pieces of tech in our homes. Smart TVs, smartphones, video doorbells, smart fridges, smart watches and many more. So some people might think a radio is becoming a redundant piece of tech. At DID, we think that the classics can be the best! There are loads of pros to having an FM radio in your home. Whether you go for a portable speaker and radio, a radio alarm clock or a handheld radio, there are plenty of options for you. Here are our top benefits of adding a radio to your tech collection:
- Constant access to news and emergency broadcasts - Keeping a radio with mains and battery-powered options ensures you can stay connected during any extreme weather or power outages. This is particularly important in cases where the phone masts and power are down, and you can't connect to your wi-fi or mobile data.
- Easy to use - Even modern radios use simple dials on the device. There is often no need for apps, smartphones or Wi-Fi connectivity. So it's perfect for the whole family.
- Great for background entertainment - A radio is a great way of reducing screen time, but still staying connected and entertained. It is a great source of local news, talk shows and music.
- Portable and versatile - You can choose a rechargeable or battery-powered radio. They are perfect for bringing to the beach, on a picnic or by the pool. They also give you the versatility of bringing around the house with you. Whether you are working in the garage, lounging in your bedroom or doing the gardening!
Some of our Top Portable Radio Recommendations
Some fun historial facts about radios
World Radio Day was designated by UNESCO and first took place in February 2012. Let's take a look at some key historical moments that helped make World Radio Day an official day.
1. The First Radio Broadcast
The first radio broadcast reportedly took place in 1906 when Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian inventor, sent out a Christmas Eve broadcast to ships at sea. Fessenden played a violin solo and read a passage from the Bible, marking the beginning of radio as we now know it.
2. The Golden Age of Radio
The 1930s to the 1950s were often referred to as the Golden Age of Radio, with radio dramas, comedies, and variety shows becoming a mainstay of popular culture. Shows like The Shadow, The Lone Ranger or news shows like the BBC captivated millions of listeners worldwide. The radio was a big part of family life, with everyone sitting around to listen. Much like everyone sits down to watch TV together today.
3. Radio Changed the Course of History
Radio played a pivotal role in spreading important news before the widespread commercialisation of TV. TVs became commonplace in European households in the 1960s. Iconic radio broadcasts, such as Winston Churchill’s speeches, the Hindenburg Disaster and the attack on Pearl Harbour, were broadcast in homes on radios. This gave people live news during a time of crisis.
4. First Transistor Radios
The invention of the transistor radio in the 1950s revolutionised personal radio listening. Portable, small, and affordable, these radios became incredibly popular, allowing people to take their music and news on the go for the very first time.
5. FM Radio: A Game-Changer
FM radio, which stands for Frequency Modulation, was developed in the 1930s by Edwin Armstrong but wasn’t widely adopted until the 1960s. FM offered better sound quality and less interference compared to AM, making it a game-changer for music lovers.
World Radio Day FAQs
What is World Radio Day?
World Radio Day is an annual international celebration held on February 13th that recognises the importance of radio as a trusted and accessible form of media. Established by UNESCO in 2011 and adopted by the United Nations, the day highlights radio’s role in education, emergency communication, entertainment, and freedom of expression worldwide.
When is World Radio Day 2026?
World Radio Day 2026 takes place on Friday, February 13th 2026.
Why do we celebrate World Radio Day?
UNESCO states that it is a way to thank the broadcasters for keeping everyone connected. To celebrate this medium for delivering news, giving people a voice and a forum for sharing stories.
What is the theme for World Radio Day 2026?
The theme for World Radio Day 2026 focuses on radio and its relationship with AI. UNESCO say that AI can help radio by taking on the routine tasks, freeing up broadcaster resources. It can also give listeners a more personalised experience, allowing for meaningful growth in the listenership. AI can also support content by verifying sources, fact-checking and could be a great resource for archival research.
Why is World Radio Day important?
World Radio Day is important because radio it is one of the most accessible media platforms in the world. It:
Reaches remote and rural communities
Provides critical information during emergencies
Supports local journalism and community voices
Promotes cultural diversity and inclusion
Radio continues to connect millions of people daily, even in areas without internet access.
What is the best radio brand ?
There are loads of great radio brands to consider. The best brand depends on what type of radio you are looking for. You can shop the full collection for loads of premium brands this World Radio Day at DID Electrical.
World Radio Day, celebrated every year on February 13th, recognises the lasting impact of radio as one of the world’s most trusted and accessible forms of media. From delivering breaking news and emergency updates to providing music, entertainment, and community connection, radio continues to play a vital role in everyday life. Despite the rise of digital streaming, radio remains relevant thanks to its reliability, simplicity, and ability to function without Wi-Fi — making it especially valuable during power outages or emergencies.
The blog highlights the many benefits of owning a radio, including portability, ease of use, and its ability to provide screen-free entertainment at home or on the go. Modern radios now combine traditional FM broadcasting with advanced features such as DAB/DAB+, Bluetooth connectivity, and internet radio, offering listeners even more choice and better sound quality.
It also explores fascinating historical moments, from the first radio broadcast in 1906 to radio’s “Golden Age” and its powerful role during World War II. World Radio Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this enduring technology and consider upgrading to a modern radio to stay informed, entertained, and connected.
