Unicef and the FM radio Industry of India ( AROI) today launched the first initiative to work towards 100 percent immunization of children in India. Currently 4000 deaths a day occur in India that could have been avoided if the children were immunized. The launch was done through a 2 day workshop for radio journalists ( programmers and jockeys) that was attended by about 50 radio professionals from many radio stations from all over India including Big FM, Radio Mirchi, Red FM, Radio One, Radio Chokolate, Radio Mantra, AIR, FM Rainbow , Radio Misty, etc).
Unicef Chief of Communications Caroline Dan Duk, was elated at the high energy and creative levels of rthe radio professionals and hoped that the almosst all pervasive reach of radio would be used to eradicate immunizable disease, as was done for polio in India.
Speaking at the occasion, Ms Anuradha Prasad, President AROI said, “FM radio has brought in vibrancy to radio broadcasting and is extremely popular across various sections of people—students, housewives, vendors and executives. It can play a significant role in promoting important social issues while weaving them in regular programming.”
With limitation on news and current affairs likely to be removed from private radio shortly, social development training is the firt steps of metamorphisis from radio jockeys to radio journalism.
AROi and Unicef requesst all citizens in India to participate in saving 4000 child lives a day through enuring routine immunization.