Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s addresses to the nation set new viewership benchmarks every time he appears on Television. The interviews, speeches at global events, addresses to the nation, or even a wildlife adventure show, channels that broadcast content witnesses a huge spike in viewership.
The Prime Minister called for a one-day Janata Curfew and followed up that with the announcement of a 21 day National Lockdown on March 24th, 2020. The telecast witnessed viewing minutes more than treble over that of his previous address. Each time the PM’s Corona Virus-related addresses were aired, there was a noticeable drop in viewership of major genres like Movies, GECs, and Kids. Modi’s address to the nation on 12th May 2020, where he announced Rs 20 Lakh Crore financial package became the most-watched address with 4.3 Billion viewing minutes.
The 9 PM- 9 Minutes solidarity call for nationwide blackout witnessed a 60% decline in viewership during these 9 minutes. Viewership of his 2020 Independence Day speech clocked 4.6 Billion viewing minutes, up over 40% over previous year.
