Veteran radio broadcaster Dr. R. Sreedher praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for revitalizing India's radio culture through the 'Mann Ki Baat' program [1].
The endorsement comes from a recognized industry figure, suggesting that government-led broadcasting initiatives have successfully countered the decline of traditional radio in a digital age [1].
Speaking from Coimbatore, the Padma Shri awardee congratulated Modi on becoming the longest continuously serving prime minister in Indian history [2]. Sreedher said the radio medium was losing its relevance before the introduction of the monthly broadcast [1].
According to Sreedher, the program succeeded by connecting with people at the grassroots level, and highlighting the stories of unsung heroes [1, 2]. This approach shifted the perception of the medium, moving it from an obsolete tool to a relevant platform for national engagement [2].
"Modi revived the radio medium, which was declining, through his popular monthly programme 'Mann Ki Baat'," Sreedher said [1].
Sreedher said that the consistent nature of the broadcast helped maintain a bridge between the leadership and the public [2]. He attributed the survival of the radio culture to this specific strategic use of the airwaves [1, 2].
“Modi revived the radio medium, which was declining, through his popular monthly programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.”
This praise underscores the strategic use of legacy media by the Indian government to bypass digital divides. By leveraging radio, the administration reaches rural and elderly populations who may lack internet access, ensuring the 'Mann Ki Baat' program serves as both a communication tool and a means of preserving a traditional medium against the tide of streaming and podcasts.
