Promoting the power and reach of radio around the globe is the goal of the newly formed World Radio Alliance.
In celebration of World Radio Day 2022, trade associations in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Australia joined forces to form the new alliance. The group of 14 trade organizations represents radio companies and radio advertising bureaus, such as the Radio Advertising Bureau in the United States, Radio Connects in Canada and Radiocentre in the United Kingdom. The Association of European Radios, which represents 5,000 commercial radio stations across Europe, is also supporting the effort.
Lucy Barrett, client director at Radiocentre, will serve as inaugural president and will steer the group’s activities. Barrett will work in tandem with new World Radio Alliance Vice President Caroline Gianias, president of Radio Connects in Canada.
“The time is absolutely right to join forces and speak with a collective voice,” said Barrett. “Over the last decade we have seen the rise of more commercial audio formats such as music streaming services and podcasts, yet commercial radio’s dominance in the sector remains pretty much intact. As the world has become smaller, with media decisions often taken across whole regions and continents, it’s crucial we come together to tell the success story of radio in a consistent and unified manner.”
The group officially launched on Feb. 10, a few days before World Radio Day on Feb. 13, with the below video compilation highlighting the strength of radio. The organization’s website also includes resources such as testimonials and research tools.
- Associació Catalana de Ràdio (Catalonia, Spain)
- Audify (Netherlands)
- Bureau de la Radio (France)
- Commercial Radio Australia)
- egta – Association of Television and Radio Sales Houses
- FCP – Assoradio (Italy)
- Radio Advertising Bureau (United States)
- Radio Connects (Canada)
- Radio Zentrale (Germany)
- Radiocentre (United Kingdom)
- Radiocentre Ireland
- RadioMedia (Finland)
- Verband Österreichischer Privatsender (Austria)
- VIA – Association of AV Media (Belgium)
