After jointly writing an opinion piece for a leading US daily, Narendra Modi and Barack Obama will come together for a joint address on All India Radio.
Brand experts believe this initiative will give a lifeline to AIR, which has been facing tough competition from private broadcasters and social media. Brand expert Harish Bijoor said that Modi has become the biggest brand ambassador for AIR.
“This month’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode will be a special one, where our Republic Day guest President Barack Obama and I will share our thoughts together. I am eagerly looking forward to the special ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme with President Barack Obama,” Modi tweeted this morning.
He has also invited listeners to send in their questions for this special broadcast. The special broadcast will happen on January 27.
‘Mann Ki Baat’ with President Barack Obama will not be complete without your participation! Send your questions till the 25th, using #AskObamaModi.
“Additionally, MyGov gives you the opportunity to post your questions on a specially created Open Forum, http://mygov.in/groupissue/questions-for-special-mann-ki-baat-programme-with-pm-modi-and-president-obama/show …” Modi said.
Rich archivesF Sheheryar, Director-General, AIR, said: “We are well equipped and have state-of-the-art facilities to handle any live broadcast…” AIR has in its archives broadcasts of Jimmy Carter and Nelson Mandela among others. ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become popular across geographies and regions of the country.
AIR is estimated to cover 92 per cent of geographical area, and reaches almost the entire population of the country through its 414 broadcasting centres. The programme is broadcast in various regional languages.
Bijoor said that Modi is known for establishing a direct line of communication. “Content is the king, if the content is interesting it will attract listeners. The special broadcast will not only be exciting for the regular listeners of AIR but for everyone in the country. This is path-breaking,” he added.
This will be the fourth edition of Modi’s monthly radio programme, where for the first time in India an American President will use this channel.
Santosh Desai MD Future Brands added this shows AIR still remains relevant as a communication channel in the country.