Terrestrial radio DJs go virtual

Talking heads needed

Officially launched in February 2012, WorldTunes.net - All Hit Radio is an internet-based radio station, operating constantly and accessible to its audience anywhere in the world. With presenters such as Kevin Savage (@WorldTunesSav), ex Capital 604, 5FM, OFM and MPowerFM and now live from Cape Town; Paul Rotherham (@PaulRotherhamZA), ex 94.7 Highveld Stereo and now live from Benoni; and Gavin Buckle (@GavinBuckle), also ex 94.7 and now live from Randburg, the station is said to be heading up a radio revolution.

As per its slogan, the station only plays hit music from the '80s to current day, however unlike current 'traditional' radio stations, its music playlist covers over 100 000 songs. Sadly, so many radio stations of today believe in the 'automated style' format. The presenters are restricted to saying "that was" and "this is." It is as though entertaining radio is forbidden and slick presentation is outdated. The station believes today's audience wants a combination of hit music and entertaining repartee.

Feedback

"The feedback we have had has far exceeded our expectations. We were all aware that there was a need for an adult contemporary music station with entertaining presenters; however, we were not expecting the response we have received. It has been phenomenal," says Buckle, station manager.

Buckle has been involved in the radio, television outside broadcast and events industry for the past 18 years. He has extensive experience in radio station management, programme management, all technical aspects regarding broadcast equipment, as well as presenting almost every radio show time slot. Apart from managing radio stations, he has also built a number of radio station studios.

2oceansviberadio.com adds two new presenters

Mommy Matters, an online parenting and lifestyle magazine presented by Jessica-A'isha Mouneimne (Jess), with approximately 40 000 unique visitors, will launch its own radio spot on internet radio 2oceansvibe Radio. The show will follow a very similar format to the blog where everything is up for discussion.

A former hard news journo, the show's presenter, traded writing headlines and chasing deadlines for poop shovelling midnight bottle runs...finding them both far more riveting than hounding scandalous politicians, she did what any reporter would do and wrote about it. The show kicks off today, Tuesday 3 April at 7pm on www.2oceansviberadio.com.

Read her blog or follow @MommyMatters on Twitter.

Bailey Schneider

Also joining 2oceansvibe Radio is 94.7 Highveld Stereo presenter Bailey Schneider (@BaileySchneider) from 16 April 2012. The former afternoon drive presenter (she was co-hosting with Mark Pilgrim) settles into her new Monday to Friday show, 2pm-3pm. Her show will be extended every Tuesday, broadcasting 2pm-5pm and will be hitting music and entertainment with a Johannesburg edge - looking at different new and exciting subjects every show. Each one hour will focus on music, fashion or what is happening in Jozi. There will be regular guests and interviews.

Schneider will be broadcasting from the new studios, opening in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The studio is in actual shop space, so fans can watch their favourite presenters (including 5FM's Ian F) live on-air.

Ballz Radio launched

Schneider's move to the South African digital radio station signals a trend, as FM radio experiences an exodus. Sasha Martinengo has parted ways with 5FM and has joined Darren Scott's new digital radio station, Ballz Radio. Martinengo (@f1sasha) is also SuperSport F1 presenter and PR for Ferrari/Maserati in SA..

click to enlarge

More than just audio, Ballz Radio offers video and adds it has new studios, experience, passion, humour and big ballz. This is allegedly a new concept in South Africa: viewers get to watch and listen to sport and current events interviews, discussions and fun. It also officially launched yesterday, 2 April 2012 at 2pm.

View pictures and videos of the launch at www.ballz.co.za and follow the team on Twitter: Just Plain Darren (@JustPlainTwit); Nicole Flint (@NicoleFlint); John Walland (@JohnWalland); William Scott (@WilliamScott99) and Marieta Landman (@_mazz_).