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.

SINGER: Thank you. This number’s called “What can we do about Inequality?’ SFX: APPLAUSE; CROWD CHEERINGSINGER: (SINGING) The gap between the rich and poorIs widening everywhereMembers of the World Economic Forum Say it’s a cause for despairCountries with greater income gapsSeem to have similar traitsThey have lower life expectancyAnd higher murder ratesIncreasing inequality causedThe financial crisis tooSeveral prominent economistsNow hold this point of viewTo combat inequalityWe must abolish restrictive rulesInvest in educationCut entrepreneurs looseFree, free, free up all the commerceAnd get rid of subsidiesForce, force, force banks to hold more capitalAnd remove monopoliesWe can’t expect these reforms To dispel all the income gapsBut we can make a freer world That rewards skill and talent... perhaps SFX: APPLAUSE; CROWD CHEERINGVO: 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.