Kuala lumpur: Radio will continue to play an important role as a medium that unites society despite facing technological evolution and the emergence of digital platforms, says an expert. Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dr Shahnon Mohamed Salleh, said the history of radio development proved that it had always adapted to changing times while retaining its social function.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahnon highlighted that since the early days of broadcasting, radio has served as a medium for information delivery and propaganda to unite people, including during the post-independence period and regional confrontation. This role was evident during the Indonesian Confrontation when radio broadcasted popular songs like 'Inilah Barisan Kita' (Prajurit Tanah Air), which became a source of strength for the people.

Shahnon expressed these views during Bernama Radio's programme titled Radio and Artificial Intelligence in conjunction with World Radio Day 2026. Commenting on current developments, he noted that the radio industry has now entered a phase of digital integration, with broadcasting stations combining traditional broadcasts with social media platforms and technologies including artificial intelligence (AI).

He explained that AI aids in production processes, content discovery, and listener data analysis, but emphasized that the technology should be viewed as a support tool rather than a replacement for human roles. "AI should serve as an assistant to improve production efficiency and content reach. The human touch remains important to ensure broadcasting stays close to the emotions and culture of society," he stated.

Shahnon also observed that radio competition today extends beyond broadcasting stations to include podcasts, audio streaming, and various other digital platforms. Despite this, he remained optimistic about radio's future relevance, citing history as evidence of the medium's ability to adapt to new technologies.

"As long as radio is able to adapt without neglecting human values and creativity, it will continue to be a trusted medium that remains close to the community," he concluded.