Word Radio Day: Panos urges more investment to support use of AI, build trust in radio
LUSAKA, 13 FEBRUARY 2026 – As the world commemorates World Radio Day 2026, Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) joins broadcasters across the continent in celebrating a medium that has never stopped speaking to, through, and for, the people. Panos calls on broadcasters, policymakers, and stakeholders to invest in media training, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and use to ensure that radio continues to build trust and uphold the integrity of human-led journalism.
This year’s theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence,” is timely as we are in a critical moment where Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape the global media landscape. As echoed by UNESCO, when used ethically and responsibly to support professional judgment, creativity, and public service values, AI can become a powerful ally in strengthening audience trust. Technology alone does not build trust, broadcasters do.
Panos recognizes radio as a powerful medium for community voice and inclusion. Radio is an embodiment of the peoplehood of the communities who use it to seek, receive and impart information on diverse development issues. For decades, radio has consistently amplified voices of poor and marginalized communities, across frontiers.
The coming in of artificial intelligence has presented opportunities for AI can strengthen radio by automating routine tasks; improving audience understanding and revenue; enabling personalized listening and space for under-represented voices; and supporting fact-checking, all while keeping human judgment at the centre. These advances allow broadcasters to focus on quality reporting that strengthens democracy and accountability.
The unique strength of radio lies in its role as a trusted companion and a mirror to the community. As we embrace digital innovation, media houses must ensure that AI is deployed ethically and responsibly, in ways that strengthen, not weaken, professional standards.
At the same time, there is an urgent need for sustained training and capacity-building for media practitioners on the effective use of AI in the newsroom. Journalists and editors must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI tools in ways that enhance production quality, deepen research, improve reporting efficiency, and support fact-based storytelling. When properly understood and applied, AI can expand newsroom capabilities and allow journalists to focus more intentionally on public interest reporting.
Panos recognizes efforts by the Ministry of Technology and Science in driving digital transformation, supporting innovation in the media, including radio, and ensuring that ethical AI adoption benefits both broadcasters and citizens.
Investing in continuous professional development will ensure that AI becomes a supportive instrument that empowers journalists to innovate while upholding editorial integrity and accountability.
On this World Radio Day, PSAf calls upon broadcasters, regulators, and policymakers to invest in media literacy and strengthen policy frameworks that safeguard the integrity of human-led broadcasting.
While AI may transform newsroom workflows, it cannot substitute the human judgment, cultural understanding, and public-interest responsibility that credible journalism demands. The human in the loop is what makes radio to be radio. By placing human values at the centre of innovation, we can ensure that radio remains vibrant, authentic, and accountable.
As we celebrate innovation, let us fiercely protect the human spirit that has made radio the most trusted voice around the world and in particular Southern Africa.
Issued by:
Vusumuzi Sifile
Executive Director
Panos Institute Southern Africa