adio remains one of the most widely consumed information mediums globally. It reaches the widest audience of any mass media, especially in remote or developing areas, where internet access may be limited. In the age of technological transformation‚ radio has the potential to promote peace, interfaith harmony and regional cooperation.

Radio is still a trustworthy source of information and news today. It promptly reaches its audience free of cost. Those who have mobile phones also have access to radio transmission. According to UNESCO, 5 billion people, over 75 per cent of the world’s population, have access to radio broadcasts, more than the internet range.

For years, UNESCO has been raising public and media awareness on the importance of radio. The focus has now shifted to strengthening the ethical and operational capacities of radio stations to adopt artificial intelligence. In the present era, artificial intelligence restructures the landscape of media production and dissemination. AI opens a new chapter not just for innovation but for deepening radio’s connection with listeners. These concepts highlight how the industry can modernise while keeping its soul.

AI is a tool, not a voice which, when used well, empowers broadcasters to do their work better. Technology is here to help broadcasters, not to replace the human connection that makes radio so special. The goal is not to hand over the microphone to robots. Instead, the focus is on how ethical and responsible use of AI can support human creativity.

UNESCO notes that technology can build trust among broadcasters and listeners serving their communities. When used correctly, AI can deepen the bond between a station and its listeners, thus reshaping the airwaves. AI can support deeper audience insights, more relevant advertising, personalised listening experiences, and the amplification of underrepresented voices. With tools that enhance fact-checking, validation, and archival discovery, radio can deliver higher quality content while maintaining human judgment at the core.

Over 120 years old, radio remains one of the most popular mediums for broadcasting news, exchanging information, facilitating social interaction, educating and entertaining people all over the world. It has been used to help people and save lives in the face of natural or human-made dangers, and to give journalists a platform to report facts. Consumer Insights data found that radio was one of the most effective and trusted media sources for information and treatment worldwide during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With tools that enhance fact-checking, validation, and archival discovery, radio can deliver higher-quality content while maintaining human judgment at the core.

Radio is a low-cost medium specifically suited for reaching remote communities and vulnerable people, where internet signals do not reach, offering a platform for intervention in public debate, irrespective of the listeners’ educational level. One person in three has access to radio, and over 44,000 radio stations worldwide play a crucial role in emergency communication and disaster relief.

Today, there are 36 radio stations functioning in Pakistan. In October 1998, Radio Pakistan started its FM transmission and launched stations in major cities. This was the second phase of the radio revolution in Pakistan. As of December 2025, the total cellular mobile phone subscriber base in Pakistan surpassed 200 million, with a mobile teledensity of 81.33 per cent. This has massively increased radio listening in recent years, as almost all cell phones now have FM radio in-built. Keeping this development in view, Radio Pakistan has switched its medium wave transmission to FM channels, too.

Radio Pakistan boasts an extensive network with coverage reaching approximately 96 to 98 per cent of the country’s total population. Utilising a combination of medium wave, short wave and FM stations, the state-owned broadcaster covers roughly 80 to 90 per cent of Pakistan’s geographical area. It broadcasts various programmes and news in 28 national/regional and foreign languages, highly popular in rural areas as it remains the primary and, often, the only source of news for many.

Khaled El-Enany, the UNESCO director-general, recently emphasised that “while AI offers opportunities for innovation in broadcasting, such as enhanced production and translation, it must be used ethically to support human creativity, professional judgment, and audience trust.”

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a challenge to navigate; it’s a chance to reimagine radio with care, creativity, and connection.

The writer is a playwright and a freelance journalist. He can be reached at [email protected] and his blogging site: soulandland.com.