For over five years, the project WorldRadio, positioned as the first national radio in the Czech Republic, has been active in the Czech media space. This non-commercial platform, operated by the organization European People & Media z.s., focuses on connecting cultures and providing space for minorities living in the country. The station relies on multiculturalism and a playlist composed of music that is missing from regular commercial radios – from Balkan rhythms to Latin American songs.
According to the creators, the symbolism of the station's colorful logo does not represent the LGBT+ movement, but rather the diversity of nationalities.
Music is colorful. Each shade in the logo represents one of the national minorities living in the Czech Republic. We want to be a safe space where origin or language are not obstacles,” explains program director and presenter Gerhard Hadi.
The station avoids activism and focuses on personalities and the enthusiasm of creators.
The editorial team is a combination of experienced professionals and new talents. For example, the holder of the title Man of the Year 2024/2025 Jakub Mádl joined the broadcast with lifestyle topics, and Honza Kloz, a student of the International Conservatory of Prague, also participates. A significant element is the involvement of foreign-language speakers. Ukrainian broadcasting is led by journalist Nataliia Zhurba Makhno, who was given an opportunity at the radio immediately after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Other national blocks, such as Roma, Polish, Greek, and Slovak, are provided by native speakers and experts, such as Romani studies scholar Erika Godlová or Paulina Dobosz.
In addition to music and lifestyle, the media also addresses serious social issues. According to director Pavel Petr, the radio has a real impact on society.
When our radio opened the topic of forced sterilizations of women, it had a huge impact. Thanks to this awareness, two thousand more affected women applied for compensation,” Petr states regarding the station's educational activities.
The project aims to fill a gap in the market where minorities, according to the founders, do not receive sufficient media space.
WorldRadio is available throughout the Czech Republic via DAB+ digital broadcasting, HbbTV technology on smart TVs, and also through online streaming and mobile applications. According to statistics, in addition to the domestic audience, the station also has listeners in the USA, Japan, and Canada. Project partners include institutions such as the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, the Slovak House in Prague, and Charita ČR.