Media experts call for expanding radio infrastructure

Media professionals, policymakers and industry leaders gathered in Karachi for the Radio Media Conference 2025 on Thursday to discuss the future of radio broadcasting in Sindh and Balochistan.

The conference focused on digital transformation, community engagement and long-term sustainability in an evolving media landscape. Organised by the Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) in collaboration with the US consulate, the event was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan in observance of World Radio Day. The annual occasion highlights radio’s critical role in public discourse and access to information.

In his keynote address, Michael Chadwick, public affairs officer at the US consulate, reaffirmed the US’s commitment to media innovation as a means of fostering a stronger, safer and more prosperous future. He emphasised radio’s pivotal role in civic engagement and economic development, particularly in Pakistan’s underserved regions.

Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh senior minister for information and transport, delivered a keynote speech, outlining government initiatives aimed at expanding radio’s reach, promoting independent journalism and driving innovation in the media sector.

Najia Ashar, president of GNMI, opened the conference by highlighting radio’s enduring influence and importance of continued innovation in content creation, audience engagement and revenue generation. She remarked that radio was more than just a medium as it was a lifeline for communities. For decades, it bridged information gaps, amplified marginalised voices and strengthened public discourse, she remarked, adding that as technology had been advancing, the US was supporting radio journalists in adapting and leveraging digital platforms while maintaining grassroots impact.

Faysal Aziz Khan, journalist and president of PULSE (USA), underscored the need for community-driven storytelling and digital integration. He noted that the future of radio lied in podcasts, mobile streaming and AI-driven content, but its core must remain rooted in authentic storytelling.

A panel discussion titled ‘Radio 2.0: Exploring Digital Broadcasting for Community-Centered Radio in Sindh and Balochistan’ brought together leading media voices, including Wusatullah Khan, Zulfiqar Shah, Radio Pakistan Karachi Station Director Mehboob Sarwar, Director General at the Ministry of Information Pakistan Irum Tanveer, and FM 91 Chief Executive Officer Sara Taher Khan. The discussion, moderated by journalist Nadia Naqi, explored emerging trends in digital radio, strategies for sustainable programming and the role of independent media in countering misinformation.

The conference concluded with a strategic roadmap outlining key measures to ensure radio’s long-term sustainability in Sindh and Balochistan. The participants stressed the need for expanding digital radio infrastructure to improve accessibility, investing in journalist training programmes to enhance content production, developing sustainable funding models to support independent radio stations, and advocating policy reforms to safeguard media freedom and promote public-interest programming.

The GNMI reaffirmed its commitment to working with local and international partners to facilitate radio’s transition into the digital era while maintaining its role as a trusted source of information and civic engagement.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has stated that radio is an effective medium that plays a key role in providing accurate information to the public. In his special message on World Radio Day, he said the Pakistan Peoples Party always believed in freedom of the press and supported the use of all media sources for public welfare.

Highlighting the importance of this year’s World Radio Day theme ‘Radio and Climate Change’, the CM said climate change had become a serious global challenge and it was important to provide awareness to the public to deal with its effects.

He said that information regarding climate change, its causes and possible solutions could be effectively conveyed to the public through radio. While describing radio as a powerful tool for promoting environmental awareness, Shah said the media, especially radio, could play a significant role in protecting the environment. He urged the radio stations to highlight environmental issues and inform the public about their possible solutions.