Airing once a month but echoing across platforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship radio address Mann ki Baat has earned ₹34.13 crore in revenue since its first broadcast nearly eleven years ago, the government has informed Parliament.
The figure, disclosed by Information and Broadcasting Minister of State L Murugan in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Friday, reflects the programme’s wide popularity and multi-platform presence, including Akashvani, Doordarshan, private television networks and social media.
"Mann Ki Baat programme is produced by Akashvani leveraging existing in-house resources without additional expenditure and has earned a revenue of ₹34.13 crore since its inception," Murugan stated.
First aired on 3 October 2014, Mann ki Baat is broadcast live by All India Radio (Akashvani) through its national and regional network. To enhance its reach, the government also airs regional language versions to cater to vernacular audiences across the country.
The visual format of the programme has been designed to promote shared listening and viewing experiences. “It enables shared viewing experiences, fostering collective reflection and discussion,” the minister noted.
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The Centre’s response underscored the strategic use of both traditional and digital broadcasting. The monthly address is simultaneously telecast on Doordarshan’s national and regional language channels. DD Free Dish, the public broadcaster’s free-to-air service, also offers access to 48 Akashvani radio stations and 92 private television channels, ensuring the programme reaches even the most remote corners of the country.
The show’s digital footprint has been equally expansive. It is live-streamed and archived on YouTube channels such as PMO India and AIR, and also on Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform WAVES. The NewsOnAIR mobile application, featuring over 260 Akashvani channels, further extends the programme’s availability.
"It is also made available on the news feed service of Prasar Bharati, PB SHABD, to facilitate wider dissemination across affiliated platforms and channels," Murugan added.
The programme is also accessible to a global audience via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), contributing to its sustained popularity and engagement.
The government’s disclosure appears to highlight not only the revenue generated by the programme but also its broad utility in reaching the masses without incurring extra production costs, thanks to in-house resource utilisation.
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