New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the most-watched personality on television in India last year, according to the annual TV viewership report for 2019-2020 by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). PM Modi's public addresses regarding the ongoing Covid pandemic, and his also his speeches focussing on a range of issues -- from India being at the forefront of exporting Covid-19 vaccines to the ongoing farmer protests.
"Whether they are his interviews, speeches at global events, addresses to the nation or even a wildlife adventure show, channels that broadcast the content see their viewership leapfrog and set new levels," the report stated, explaining the impact PM Modi had.
Notably, PM Modi's speech at Red Fort, which was over two hours long, with 133 million viewers, saw a rise by 40 per cent, compared to his Independence Day speech in 2019.
The Prime Minister's speech on March 24, 2020, where he announced the first lockdown, saw more viewing minutes than any of his previous addresses. His address to nation in April 2020, where he announced a relief package of RS 20 lakh crores, became the most watched address with over 203 million viewers tuning in.
"Each time PM Modi's coronavirus-related addresses were aired, there was a noticeable drop in the viewership of major genres like General Entertainment Channels (GEC), Movies and Kids," the report said.
His call for solidarity by switching off lights for nine-long minutes, reflected in 60 per cent decline in TV viewership during those nine minutes. The report also notes that due to the pandemic, and following an increasing curiosity about government measures and announcements, the share of news in total TV viewership tripled as compared to the yearly growth of seven per cent previously.
