The University of Fiji’s campus radio station, Vox Populi, is set to join hundreds of college radio stations around the world in celebrating World College Radio Day 2026 with a 72-hour live radio marathon under the theme “HOPE – Always in the Air!”
The celebration brings together students, staff and listeners through live broadcasting, entertainment, conversations and interactive programmes, while highlighting the continuing role of radio in connecting communities and providing trusted information.
At the University of Fiji’s Suva Central Campus, preparations for the international celebration have been led by Vox Populi Station Manager Mr Lawrence Singh, with staff and students coming together to support the marathon.
Mr Singh said this year’s theme reflects the important role radio can continue to play when other forms of communication may not always be available or reliable.
“Hope – Always in the Air means that our listeners can always rely on radio communication when all other modes of communication fail,” Mr Singh said.
“Vox was initially born to be just that back in 2021 when Fiji was in the midst of the pandemic and we have remained steadfast in our commitment,’’
Vox Populi will participate in the global celebration through its 72-hour live radio marathon, bringing together programming and activities aimed at engaging its audience.
Mr Singh said the station was grateful for the support of the University of Fiji and Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem, including prizes for listeners and competitions to be conducted during the marathon.
He said the event would also feature content dedicated as a tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
The marathon will also provide journalism and media students with practical opportunities to develop their broadcasting skills.
Mr Singh said Vox Populi gives students and staff an opportunity to collaborate and participate in an event that has become part of the station’s annual calendar.
“Vox provides a robust platform for students to learn the dynamics of radio and the best part is that this exposes the University of Fiji and its students on a global scale,” he said.
The University of Fiji Vice Chancellor and Vox Populi Producer Professor Shaista Shameem said the theme represents the University’s hope that students would use the radio service to connect with others while enjoying entertainment.
“For us as a University it means we hope all students enjoy 24-hour radio service as a way to manage stress and connect up with other listeners. And hope they all enjoy the wonderful entertainment,” Professor Shameem said.
She said radio remained a powerful medium for young people and that Vox Populi provided students with a platform for self-expression.
“Radio is a powerful medium that reaches out to millions of people, especially young people, for self-expression, and that is our aim,” she said.
Professor Shameem also highlighted the role of Vox Populi in preparing students for careers in journalism, media and communications.
She said the expertise available through the station can encourage students to consider careers in journalism and multimedia studies, while giving them practical exposure to broadcasting.
“Vox talent, in the form of our station manager, allows students to think about a career in journalism and multimedia studies. There’s no better role model than our Vox experts,” Professor Shameem said.
The station also sees itself as an important link between the University and the wider community.
Professor Shameem described radio as “the big connector” between the University and the wider world, adding that Vox Populi could serve as an influencer for the public good.
Mr Singh said the importance of trusted radio broadcasting had become even more significant in the digital age, where misinformation and disinformation could spread rapidly.
“We are in the digital era where the internet has taken over the whole globe but it cannot always be trusted,” he said.
“Misinformation and disinformation is a challenge for societies where anyone can spread any story lacking authenticity but radio can always be relied upon for correct and trusted information.”
“Hope is always on the radio when it comes to fact checking,” Mr Singh said.
Looking towards the future, Mr Singh said he hoped Vox Populi would develop into a fully fledged community service radio station.
He said plans were underway for FM transmission and expressed confidence that the station could eventually reach listeners across Fiji and the wider region.
Mr Singh also said he envisioned Vox Populi becoming increasingly operated by Journalism students, providing them with a practical platform to apply the skills they develop through their studies.
As World College Radio Day 2026 approaches, Vox Populi is encouraging students, staff and members of the public to participate in the 72-hour celebration and take part in the competitions and programmes.
Professor Shameem urged Vox Populi followers to enjoy the marathon and participate in the activities, while Mr Singh emphasised the continuing importance of radio as a platform for trusted information, education, entertainment and community connection. Under the message
“One Voice. One World. One Radio,” Vox Populi will take its place among college radio stations globally, carrying the message that “Hope is Always in the Air.”
