Radio personalities in Namibia do not get the recognition they deserve.

These were some of the sentiments expressed by Franklin Shitaleni, a radio presenter at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's (nbc) National FM. 

nbc News spoke with Shitaleni ahead of World Radio Day, which is observed annually on February 13th.

Shitaleni, who has been a radio presenter for about 8 years now, says that being a radio presenter is not only about having a good voice but also being knowledgeable and qualified for the position.

"I will say what is truthful on air, and I take that very seriously. One needs to be well informed about a certain topic before going on air, and if I don't know about it, then I'd rather not talk about it. I look after radio hosting in a jealous manner because I feel like it's sad that it's an industry where people are told to join because they have nice voices. There's more to radio presenting than having a nice voice, there needs to be respect, and value, and quite frankly, you need to be qualified for it."

Shitaleni also highlighted that radio creates an interpersonal relationship between the listeners and the host.

"People talk to us like they've known us for years, we are very easily accessible, and radio is the one platform that allows those that are not academically blessed to hear the information in their language immediately. Anytime there is a new evolution of media, the question is always asked: will radio survive print media? Radio must be celebrated for its credibility. Radio must be celebrated because it's an emergency center for so many people."

This year's Radio Day is being celebrated under the theme "Radio and Peace."