In earlier days, radio was a crucial source of information and entertainment in India, connecting remote villages with news, music, and cultural programmes. During wartime in Western countries, it spread government messages, boosted morale, and delivered frontline updates. Even today, in the digital age, radio remains a vital survival tool during wars, disasters, and blackouts, proving its enduring role in communication, resilience, and public unity across generations and geographies.
According to The Metro, when internet and mobile networks fail, as seen in Spain and Portugal's 2024 blackout or during the Russia-Ukraine war, radio remains functional. In Ukraine, when TV towers were destroyed and signals jammed, citizens turned to crank radios to access life-saving updates and coded escape routes. Similarly, Palestinians in Gaza have relied on radio for news amid telecommunications blackouts.
Experts say radio's dependability lies in its simplicity. It doesn't rely on expensive devices, data plans, or fragile digital infrastructure. Emergency radios powered by cranks or solar energy can continue broadcasting even when electricity is down.
During crises, radio becomes more than just a tool; it's a symbol of hope and survival. In Syria, Radio Fresh won global acclaim for its role in challenging propaganda and spreading truth. Governments, including the EU, now urge citizens to include battery-powered or wind-up radios in emergency kits alongside food, water, and medicine, as per the news article.
With over 44,000 radio stations serving billions globally, radio remains unmatched in accessibility and resilience. It proves that even in a world dominated by AI and smartphones, a simple radio can still be the most critical tool in times of chaos.
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How Does Radio Work?
Radio waves, a type of light, are created by accelerating electrons in an electric circuit. By altering their amplitude (AM) or frequency (FM), these waves carry information. A radio receiver decodes the waves into sound. Shortwave radio, useful for long distances, remains vital for aircraft and rescue operations. Its evolution owes much to physicist Edward Appleton, who proved the ionosphere's role in bouncing signals.
