Celebrating 100 years of radio in Germany – Part I: Steve Inskeep, Keri Jones and John Masuku.

Radio remains a vital, intimate medium that bridges geographic divides and fosters community connection, even in an era dominated by digital alternatives. Steve Inskeep of NPR highlights how audio storytelling functions like novel writing, using vivid, sensory details to transport listeners into the heart of global events. Meanwhile, Keri Jones demonstrates the power of hyper-local, low-cost community radio in the UK, where unique, volunteer-driven content serves as a crucial public service. In Zimbabwe, veteran broadcaster John Masuku underscores radio’s role as a primary communication tool, particularly where internet connectivity is unreliable or prohibitively expensive. Across these diverse contexts, radio persists by prioritizing authentic human conversation, providing essential local information, and acting as a catalyst for peace and social accountability in ways that other media platforms cannot replicate.