MUMBAI: BBC World Service has announced that its radio service BBC Hindi hopes to meet more than 20,000 listeners in a series of roadshow events across three states in Northern India. From tomorrow 16 November to Monday 25 December, Your world, your voice is taking BBC Hindi teams to 14 towns across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkand, engaging audiences in lively debates broadcast live on the BBC, together with other activities, including street theatre and website demonstrations.
The debates have been inspired by local residents who took part in specially-commissioned research. Conducted by the Delhi-based rural research agency, Prastut Consulting, the research is based on interviews with decision-makers and residents at each of the roadshow locations and gives the BBC invaluable insights into what really matters to its audiences in India's heartland.
BBC Hindi head Achala Sharma says, "We always keep our hand on the pulse of India: what concerns them, what their expectations are, what they want to change in their lives. The special research we commissioned this year is a real treasure trove, giving us first-hand information which will form the basis of our roadshow debates as well as our programming in general.
"All those interviewed for this research said that they see the BBC as being able to influence change. That's why we are looking forward to meeting our audiences in this roadshow."
Connecting with local culture, the BBC uses traditional Kalamkari artwork throughout the Your world, your voice roadshow. Street theatre will open each event with a dramatised demonstration of the values and benefits of listening to the BBC. There will also be demonstrations of the bbchindi.com website. Simultaneously, BBC World Service has organised purely promotional activity in 34 towns of the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Rajasthan using the campaign imagery and messages.
BBC Hindi programmes are produced from studios in London and New Delhi and are set in a rolling format, with news, current affairs and features. The interactive morning and evening programmesAaj Ke Din and Aaj Kal, bring the BBC Hindi listeners news, analysis and interviews on issues, from current affairs and careers to showbiz and sports.
BBC Hindi is available on short wave and medium wave radio and via cable television.
