World Radio Day 2026 to spotlight AI in broadcasting: I&B Ministry

The theme for World Radio Day 2026 is Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice, according to a government press release issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The release said the theme reflects the growing use of AI in broadcasting, including in content production, archiving, translation, audience engagement and accessibility. It also stressed that technology should support radio, not replace the human voice, editorial judgement and credibility that form the medium’s core.

As per the press release, All India Radio Raipur, in collaboration with UNESCO, will organise a World Radio Day Conclave on 13 February 2026, from 10am onwards at Hotel Babylon Capital in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The conclave will deliberate on how AI can strengthen content creation and accessibility while keeping human-led broadcasting central.

The ministry also highlighted the scale of All India Radio, which operates as the radio arm of Prasar Bharati. It said AIR’s home service comprises 591 broadcasting centres, covering nearly 92 percent of India’s geographical area and over 99 percent of its population. It originates programming in 23 languages and 182 dialects and reaches audiences through medium wave, short wave, FM and digital platforms.

The release said AIR programming spans news, current affairs, agriculture, education, health awareness, youth content and cultural programming, and continues to play a role in emergency communication by providing verified alerts and information during disasters.

On private FM radio, the ministry cited the Union Cabinet approval in August 2024 for the rollout of 730 new FM channels in 234 previously uncovered cities and towns, with a reserve price of Rs 784.87 crore. As per the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 391 private FM channels are currently operational in 119 cities under the FM Phase III policy.

The government note also underlined the role of community radio as the third tier of broadcasting in India. It said India currently has 528 community radio stations, which focus on local development communication, education, health, agriculture and cultural preservation through local languages and dialects.

The press release further referred to recent community radio initiatives linked to the Indian Army in remote and border regions. It mentioned the launch of Ibex Tarana 88.4 FM in Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand in June 2025, and Radio Sangam 88.8 FM in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir in January 2026, described as the first community radio station along the Line of Control.

The ministry also referenced Mann Ki Baat, the monthly radio programme hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as an example of radio’s continued relevance for mass communication. It said the programme, launched in October 2014, has completed 130 editions and is carried across multiple languages and regions.

The ministry said World Radio Day continues to spotlight radio as a trusted and accessible medium, particularly for audiences facing barriers of literacy, language and connectivity, while calling for responsible innovation and sustained policy support as the sector evolves.