World Radio Day is marked every 13 February and celebrates radio in all its forms, including small, independent and online stations like yours. It is a good excuse to do something special, and a handy hook for promotion.
Why take part
A themed day gives listeners and the press a reason to pay attention. It lets you try new formats, invite new voices and tell your station’s story, all while a conversation about radio is already going on.
Programme ideas
- A special extended show. A longer live programme with guests and listener dedications.
- A history hour. Talk about how radio began, the stations that shaped your genre and your own favourite broadcasts.
- Listener takeover. Invite a few regular listeners to present a short slot of their choice.
- Your first track. Ask presenters and listeners for the song that made them love radio, and play them all.
- Local voices. Interview someone in your community whose story deserves to be heard.
Promote it
- Announce the programme a week before, with times and a link to your radio page.
- Post countdowns and short clips on your social channels.
- Tell other stations; many love to cross-promote on days like this.
- Put a player widget on any website or blog you control; see the widgets guide.
Schedule it ahead
Put the special programme on your calendar early, and check that live presenters and guests have their access ready. See how to schedule a show.
Do it on any other day, too
You do not need to wait for February. An anniversary of your own station, a local festival or a music milestone makes just as good a theme. The pattern is always the same: pick a reason, make something special, tell people, and thank them afterwards.
Keep the new listeners
A themed day brings in people who do not usually tune in. Tell them what is on the rest of the week, and invite them to come back. More on that in how to grow your radio audience.