The #fridaystandin puts SA's best to the test

Talk Radio 702 and 567 CapeTalk will try to find out who has got what it takes as they ask a prominent South African to host the Friday edition of the Redi Tlhabi Show while Redi is away on maternity leave.

Each week, starting today, a businessman, media personality, artist, or any other kind of thought leader will be selected to present the show as the Friday Stand-in.

They will be coached, supported and guided by the stations' teams but ultimately, they will have to fend for themselves as they handle listeners, guests and a broad variety of questions and topics - all live on air.

Let's give radio a bit of a shake-up

"As talk stations in a young democracy like the one we live in, we see a role for ourselves to be disruptive, and to challenge our listeners," said Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa.

"We believe this is a great opportunity to shake things up on our own format, and know that the thought-leaders we have approached bring with them a fresh perspective to making a difference, which is what we try to do with any show," added Colleen Louw, 567 CapeTalk station manager.

The Friday edition of the Redi Tlhabi show has a number of regular features including the Naked Scientist, the Week that Wasn't with a comedian, Technobyte with Aki Anastasiou, and Talking Sex with Dr Eve as well as the open line.

"Handling these diverse and sometimes controversial topics requires a special touch, it's certainly not as easy as Redi makes it sound," said Gwangwa.

There's help at hand

The guest host will be supported on-air by Udo Carelse, who is filling in for Redi from Monday to Thursday. Udo has a wealth of broadcast and current affairs experience and will be able to help the Friday Stand-in to navigate the radio waves.

"We want the Friday Stand-in to succeed," said Louw. "We want them to create radio that is engaging and that demands attention so we are doing everything in our power to give the Stand-ins the best possible chance to make a great show."

Starting today Friday 4 October, listeners are urged to tune in on Fridays from 0900 to 1200 to hear who makes the cut. They can also share their opinions on the week's host and join the conversation with @radio702 or @CapeTalk567 on Twitter via the hashtag #fridaystandin.

To listen in... http://www.702.co.za/onair/player.asp

For details visit www.702.co.za or www.capetalk.co.za.