Commissioner lauds radio’s effective role in creating public awareness

Radio still remains an unyielding pillar of communication in Pakistan, especially in underserved regions where it serves as a vital force in public discourse, cultural representation and emergency response.

Karachi Commissioner Hasan Naqvi said this on Monday while speaking at the culmination ceremony of the Frequency+ training programme. He stressed radio’s critical role in national efforts like polio eradication campaigns, voter education during elections, and crisis management during emergencies. He commended radio’s unique capacity to swiftly disseminate essential information, ensuring that even the most remote communities remained informed during the times of need.

The training programme was organised by the Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) in collaboration with the US Consulate Karachi for 122 radio professionals belonging to Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad and Quetta from January 20 till January 27.

Over the days, the participants honed their technical and digital skills, learning about emerging trends in radio content production, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into programming and creating impactful, dynamic broadcasts that resonate with diverse audiences.

Steven Youngblood, journalism trainer from the East-West Centre Hawaii, facilitated the training as the master trainer. GNMI President Najia Ashar highlighted radio’s important role in Pakistan, particularly in amplifying voices from marginalised communities and promoting trust through reliable information dissemination.

“Radio is more than a medium—it’s a lifeline for underserved areas, a tool for cultural preservation, and a catalyst for public engagement,” she stated. Faisal Aziz Khan, broadcast journalist and PULSE USA president, addressed challenges facing Pakistan’s radio industry, such as limited funding, outdated infrastructure and ineffective content distribution.

He called the Frequency+ initiative a transformative effort to modernise the sector, ensuring its relevance and sustainability in a fast-evolving media landscape. Husnain Raza, director of progammes at the GNMI, emphasised the urgency of radio digitisation, explaining how AI integration could enhance the medium’s reach and efficiency. The training programme saw enthusiastic participation from prominent radio stations, including the Radio Pakistan, Sindh Police FM 88.66, Mera FM 107.4, Hot FM 105, FM 101, SMIU FM 96.6, FM 93 Gwadar, JEAY FM, Chiltan FM, SKY FM Quetta, and Ziauddin University FM.