By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU
As the medium of communication that has stood the test of time, radio continues to educate, inform and entertain the listeners across the board. In this era of climate uncertainties, radio stations have also become a useful medium of communication in raising awareness, educating communities about sustainable practices, and empowering listeners to take climate action.
February 13th last week saw the observation of the World Radio Day which is celebrated across the world. Radio remains the most widely consumed medium globally, uniquely positioned to reach remote communities and vulnerable populations.
It also plays a crucial role in emergency communication and disaster relief, providing timely information that can save lives.
World Radio Day is celebrated annually on February 13, a date proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2011 and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. This day honours the establishment of United Nations Radio on February 13, 1946.
This year’s theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” This theme underscores radio’s capacity to raise awareness about climate change, disseminate factual information, and promote climate action.
UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoula has acknowledged different ways in which radio serves as a tool for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate disruption in the rapidly changing world.
“Last year, we witnessed severe flooding in the Sahara Desert and the deadly Typhoon Yegi which struck South-East Asia. At a time when such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, we must recognize the critical and often life-saving role of radio.
“With frequencies that can travel across continents and networks that can remain energy- radio can reach even the most remote locations and function even when all other media fail. This makes radio an indispensable resource that lives can depend on, especially when it can reduce disaster risks and save countless lives.
“Outside of crisis situations, radio is also a prime source of information for people all around the world. It reaches audiences in almost every language, with the greatest audience penetration of any mass media in the world. Radio enables the voices of even the most isolated communities to be heard, including women, youth and indigenous people. At the same time, radio journalism’s pivotal role in raising awareness of climate action makes it a vital tool for public education and the dissemination of accurate information.”
As the world faces the growing challenge of climate change, radio is one of the mediums for spreading awareness, educating audiences, and encouraging collective action.
Radio’s role in tackling climate change is more important than ever, offering a platform for conversations that promote environmental sustainability and inspire action. This publication spoke to some local broadcasters who shared their experiences and insights on how radio can effectively raise awareness, educate communities, and inspire collective action towards a sustainable future for all.
A programmes manager at Tšenolo FM, Tšepang Pheello, said there are challenges with some listeners who are reluctant to embrace new knowledge.
He however mentioned that they have partnered with certain government ministries to inform and disseminate information about climate change. He noted that there is a pressing issue of people littering, even in designated litter-free zones, which needs to be addressed.
Pheello also highlighted how climate change has impacted agricultural production, adding that these changes are affecting people’s lifestyles. He pointed out that even foods that were once seasonal are now impacted, as their production is disrupted by erratic rainfall patterns.
He called for support in capacity-building, explaining that while he has conducted research, there are still concepts that need to be simplified for easier understanding by the listeners.
He pointed to a challenge whereby sometimes climate change experts do not attend the programme when invited, which hinders the dissemination of accurate information.
Pheello stressed the need for a Sesotho dictionary that simplifies climate change terminology and called for uniformity in the language used. He noted that the complexity of these concepts often poses barriers to their work, with journalists sometimes being blamed when stories are inaccurate, despite their efforts to involve relevant experts.
In sub-Saharan Africa, Farm Radio International has collaborated with over 20 radio stations across six countries to implement climate change adaptation strategies. This initiative is said to be targeting to reach more than 8 million people, providing them with critical information on sustainable farming practices and climate resilience.
In India, community radio stations deliver climate change communication campaigns to marginalised rural agricultural communities. These stations facilitate vital dialogues among communities, scientists, and policymakers, strengthening local knowledge and voices on climate impacts.
Station Manager at Bokamoso FM, Lintle Ramatla, said she introduced the climate change issue to the station after enquiring from listeners to gauge their level of understanding. She found that many were unfamiliar with the topic.
Her weekly programme, Manyabuketso, emphasizes that there is no way to discuss climate change without addressing women’s issues and health, as some are directly linked to climate change. Ramatla mentioned that she had to identify a trainer to help capacitate the team.
She expressed pride in her listeners, who are now practicing smart agriculture and purchasing climate-resilient seeds. Not only do they discuss agriculture but also issues such as solar energy.
Ramatla shared that a multilateral organization had even purchased airtime on their station specifically for climate change news.
“We are yet to grow the audience. Many are headed towards agriculture,” she said. She added that her listeners have also been educated on the accuracy of weather forecasts, enabling them to plan and plant accordingly.
Like Pheello, Ramatla also voiced concern about the lack of experts who are willing to explain the complex concepts, noting that there are few in the field.
She expressed a desire to learn more about this subject and called for the training of broadcasters and journalists in the newsrooms, regardless of their beats, as climate change is a cross-cutting issue.
She also called for financial support, not only to engage in research while preparing for their shows but also to undertake field trips to listen to people on the ground and learn firsthand about the impact of climate change in villages and remote areas.
Ramatla urged the government to engage the non-governmental organizations working on climate change to provide targeted training for the media and to sponsor their field trips.
In celebration of the World Radio Day, MISA-Lesotho has commended the coverage on climate change by some media houses.
It however pointed out that there is inadequate dialogue around climate change on open platforms. “There is [a] dearth of dialogue on climate change to unpack its effects on open platforms, which in turn would receive national conceptual appreciation. There are little to no national forums, seminars and conferences organized to confer on the effects of climate change so that there is buy-in from members of the public.
“If these platforms were to unlock the innermost debates in Lesotho on climate change, they might trigger coherent policy and legal framework on climate change. Radio has the potential to dispel myths and misconceptions held on climate change by the rural communities, by constantly providing accurate and credible information.”
MISA has called on the local radios to priorities and develop regular programmes on climate action.