The Economist is now available on audio, through the iPad or iPhone. Professional broadcasters read articles from each week's issue so that busy subscribers can listen to them on the way to work or meetings.

This was clearly an occasion to promote not just the new service to existing subscribers, but also an opportunity to appeal to the larger audience. By making complex world issues understandable through the medium of song, we hope to open their minds to an Economist subscription.

SFX: CONCERT AMBIENCE; CROWD CHEERINGMAN: What are rich governments doing about the food crisis?MUSICMAN: (SINGING) Scientists around the worldHave given a warningThere’s a global food crisis And food riots in the offingIf food production and the food system Don’t become a priorityThe poor everywhere will starveIt will be a calamityAUDIENCE MEMBER: Ain't that the truth. MAN: (SINGING) The world needs a new vision for agriculturePoliticians are failing to see the big picture, noThe eight richest nations promised $20 billion last year“We’ll fix the food system”, they said“Please don’t fear” But the money never arrivesIt never materialisesThere are only promisesAnd rising food pricesDamn, they keep risingA great global catastrophe Is surely loomingAnd our leaders, alas, againAre found wantingCROWD: (CHEERS)VO: The Economist. You used to read it. Now you can also listen to it.

Get the audio version on your iPhone or iPad and unlock a fresh perspective.