OF all the marvelous inventions of the 20th century that changed the way we live, one has probably directly impacted the most people in the world.
On December 17, 1902 a transmission from the Marconi station in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, became the world’s first radio message to cross the Atlantic from North America. Now, more than 100 years later, virtually everyone is able to take advantage of radio broadcasting.
In nearly every remote corner of the globe, radio is available. Even people without access to electricity can follow global events on an inexpensive battery-operated radio. It is a lifeline during disasters, a real-time source of news and embodies personal entertainment.
It is only in the last 20 years or so that television has been widely available in the Philippines. Even today, in most of the remote areas of the country, radio is the communication of choice. In the urban areas, radio is an integral part of millions of Filipinos’ daily lives. Radio broadcasting, in particular, is critical to nation-building as it allows the public to be exposed to a wide variety of viewpoints and opinions.
Unlike television with its high infrastructure cost for both the broadcasters and also the consumers, small radio stations can be a local enterprise serving the needs of small communities. Local radio stations can more easily address local needs and concerns that are often missed by the national networks. While many radio networks have a number of individual stations, each station operates within its own community.
There are nearly 400 AM radio stations, as well as 600 FM stations, with about 300 television stations broadcasting every day. Many broadcasters organized in 1973 as the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) to promote professional and ethical standards in Philippine broadcasting both in radio and television.
The KBP is celebrating its 41st founding anniversary and Broadcasters’ Month during April. Its Golden Dove Awards honors the best in radio and television programming, from sports and public-service education to news and entertainment.
The BusinessMirror’s sister company, Aliw Broadcasting Corp., is an important part of bringing radio to the homes of millions of Filipinos. Aliw is one of the largest radio networks in the country with its AM station DWIZ and Home Radio on FM as its flagship stations. Founded in 1991, Aliw Broadcasting broadcasts “Home Radio” from General Santos City to Dagupan and Palawan. DWIZ is the voice of Mega Manila with the slogan “Mas Todong Lakas at Mas Pinakikinggan ng Buong Bansa!”
We congratulate the KBP on its anniversary and commend the dedicated journalists in the radio and television broadcast industry.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano