The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, unequivocally asserts the vital role of radio in disseminating crucial information to combat the negative effects of climate change.
This message was communicated in a press release marking World Radio Day, celebrated annually on February 13. This year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” underscores radio’s unparalleled ability to unite people, inform the public, educate, and entertain. Radio stands out as one of the most accessible media platforms, wielding the power to shape societies and cultures on a global scale.
In The Gambia, Radio Gambia was the inaugural radio station, and as a state-owned entity, it has become an integral part of the Gambia Radio and Television Services. Radio Gambia, together with the first private commercial station, Radio Syd, has educated, entertained, and informed our populace for decades. Today, The Gambia boasts 45 radio stations, including nine community radio stations that play a critical role in conveying information to rural populations. Moreover, the government has implemented robust capacity-building programs for journalists across both public and private sectors, in collaboration with donor and bilateral partners, highlighting the significant impact radio has in providing credible information to the public.
The statement categorically emphasizes that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time, demanding immediate and collective action from governments, civil society, and individuals alike. The rising temperatures, destructive natural disasters, and unpredictable weather patterns are disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, both globally and within our own borders.
This year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” firmly reinforces the importance of radio in supporting global initiatives, including those of The Gambia, to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. It is imperative to reduce the vulnerability of our communities to climate-related disasters, and it is clear that the fight against climate change requires unified action across all sectors, both public and private.
The release concludes with a strong call to all media organizations—public and private—to prioritize climate change awareness, ensuring that communities, especially those most at risk, are empowered to take decisive steps toward resilience. The Ministry of Information reaffirms its commitment to creating a conducive media environment and urges all stakeholders to actively support the Ministry of Environment in its mission to address the root causes of climate change, build resilience, and adapt to its impacts.