NewsTALK 105.2FM, the proposed West Midlands speech-based radio station from the Wireless Group and local media entrepreneurs, is running a talent contest.
The contest aims to find a chat show host in the run up to the final decision by the Radio Authority to award a West Midlands independent local radio licence.
Borrowing heavily from the Pop Idol television talent shows, newsTALK is seeking a “chat idol” to be given their own slot in the programming schedule during the station’s launch month, if its bid is successful.
The competition is open to anyone over 16 years of age, including journalists.
Entrants have been asked to send in an audio cassette tape of no more than two minutes to the newsTALK offices, stating why they should be a presenter on the station.
Submissions should arrive by noon on Friday, 25 April, 2003. The final selection will take place early next month, where shortlisted entrants will face a panel from the newsTALK 105.2FM board – including chairman Bob Warman, veteran anchorman of Central News at Six.
Finalists will be asked questions on a wide range of issues including sport, politics, business and the arts.
Entrants should send tapes and contact details to Chat Idol, newsTALK 105.2FM, 7 The Wharf, Bridge Street, Birmingham b1 2js. Details of the competition can be found on the station’s website www.newstalk1052.co.uk.
NewsTALK 105.2FM will go on air early next year if the licence is awarded. Also vying for the licence is giant radio group Chrysalis, looking to duplicate the London success of its LBC station, with the West Midlands equivalent WBC.
By Wale Azeez
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