"Stabilise the positive growth"
Its rationale, according to a press statement, is that Good Hope has performed well over the past three years (see RAMS commercial station summary), and it was "decided to stabilise the positive growth and keep the lineup as it stands, as it is familiar to the station's loyal audience". Its long-term strategy is to develop and promote young on-air talent in the Mother City and to increase listenership.
DJ and TV presenter Loyiso Mdebuka (aka DJ Loyd) will join the brand new Freekin Weekend show on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (3pm-6pm). The full team will consist of presenter Ebrahiem Inglis and co-presenters TK and DJ Loyd - all in studio to create a lively and interactive show, with an urban house and urban culture feel that is intended to appeal to the station's target market.
Sundays should have a more soulful appeal as mornings will now feature an R&B Top 30 chart show presented by Mixi, 9am- 12 noon, followed by Sundays with Ian, a show featuring retro music from the '90s, presented by Ian Ward, 12 noon to 3pm.
Unchanged weekday lineup
The weekday lineup will remain unchanged: Guy McDonald, Nigel Pierce, Ayanda Tini, SeanO and Ready D stay on in their regular shows, but Stan Mars moves in behind the mic 10pm-2am Monday-to-Thursday evenings, with the new Tonite Show with Stan Mars.
Tyrone Paulsen, Stephanie B, Makabongwe Tanga, Nosipo Tisani, Carl Wastie and Bradley Knight will still be in their usual weekend slots. The Godfather of House, Dino Michael, will also be on air on Sunday nights 10pm-2am too, bringing house offerings to end off the weekend.
