Oct. 16, 2009

Morality, Ethics Program to Air on Prime-Time Radio in India

Source: HCJB Global

"Beyond Words," a radio program featuring unheralded heroes from India, aims to encourage moral and ethical living via songs, stories and drama.

The weekly program, being produced by HCJB Global Voice's Christopher and Dolly Kirubakaran, will be carried on the government radio network, All India Radio (AIR).

Starting Nov. 1, "Beyond Words" will air Sunday evenings, available to two-thirds of India's population as well neighboring Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, a region with a potential audience of more than 650 million people.

The Kirubakarans were able to purchase prime airtime immediately following the much-listened-to 7 p.m. national news. They are putting together a team to help with production and follow-up. Christopher says Indians actively respond when provided with an address or text number.

Christopher and Dolly are no strangers to the government radio network. For the past few years they have been producing special Christmas and Easter programs for the network. These have been well received by both broadcasters and listeners, paving the way for "Beyond Words" to happen.

"This opportunity is really a testament to Christopher and Dolly's patience and commitment to building good relationships with AIR," said Jeff Ingram, director of HCJB Global's Asia Pacific Region.

"The Christmas and Easter programs they provided helped develop a level of trust with the AIR staff which helped make this possible," he added. "We're also thankful for the faithfulness of donors who made these broadcasts possible. The initial broadcasts are already paid for."

In addition to the terrestrial broadcasts, the program will be relayed on AIR's satellite network that can be picked up in homes with satellite receivers across the Indian subcontinent.