Radio A Force For Good: Keeping the nation smiling

It’s hard to put into words how challenging the last year has been, but every step of the way radio has acted as a constant support.

Radio has been a force for good in the darkest of times, supporting the nation like a reliable friend you don’t have to socially distance from. In the run up to World Radio Day on Saturday 13^th February, Radiocentre is looking at five reasons why radio has been a #ForceForGood over the past year, and calling on radio stations and listeners across the UK to share their own reasons, by posting with the hashtag and tagging @Radiocentre.

Today, we turn our focus to something that at times has been hard to come by over the last year… happiness. Radio is proven to make you happy, be that through a funny feature, interesting interview or a song you simply love. Making people happy is a key reason why radio has been a force for good in uncertain times. It’s a non-stop smile machine, working tirelessly to churn out grins across the nation.

Last year Radiocentre conducted a research study, which showed 8/10 people listen to radio because it makes them happy. Beyond the Bubble proved that radio is a trusted companion for millions of listeners, keeping them in touch with the outside world and providing an essential smile, in concerning times.

The appeal of lighting up a dark day is one of the key reasons that more people are listening for longer during the Coronavirus pandemic, with Radiocentre research showing that listeners are tuning in for an extra 13 hours a week.

If you want to hear a collection of radio brightening up the day, check out our lookback at some of 2020’s very best radio moments here.

Share your examples of how radio has spread some happiness by posting with the hashtag #ForceForGood and tagging @Radiocentre.

World Radio Day 2021 is on Saturday 13^th February. The celebration is run by UNESCO and more information is available here.