Leading the conversation, William Hanlon, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh field office chief, lauded radio’s contributions to child rights advocacy. He highlighted its role as a dependable information channel during tough times. ‘In disasters and public health crises, radio has been the steady companion communities rely on,’ Hanlon remarked during interactions with participants.

The panel, featuring students, broadcasters, journalists, and experts, delved into radio’s place amid AI’s rise. Hanlon pointed to Madhya Pradesh’s success stories where radio bridged gaps for child welfare. While acknowledging AI’s potential, he cautioned that ethical broadcasting demands human oversight.

Akashvani’s program chief Rajesh Bhat shared pride in the organization’s storied history spanning almost nine decades. ‘Print, television, social platforms, and AI have all challenged us, yet radio evolves,’ he noted. Bhat emphasized innovation born from adversity, with key pillars like persistence, integrity, and trustworthiness fueling AIR’s surging listenership.

Anil Gulati from UNICEF called radio a ‘mind’s stage’ and reliable communicator. Its standout performance during COVID-19 exemplified this. In today’s streaming-dominated landscape, radio holds firm to its authentic form.

Young attendees questioned radio’s edge over AI misinformation and digital podcasts. Experts explained AI’s limitations—reliance on flawed data and absence of human-curated editing. The event concluded on an optimistic note, affirming radio’s vital role in amplifying children’s voices and sustaining community bonds through crises.