LOTUSFM APPIES PROJECT

Lotusfm project a first of its kind in broadcasting.

In August this year, Lotusfm launched its inaugural ‘Appies Project’, a training programme designed to encourage more people into the exciting world of broadcasting. “We are incredibly proud of the station’s initiative to bring aspiring and enthusiastic dynamic people into the world of broadcasting through this project, especially in this our 25th year of broadcasting,” says Gail Samuels, Lotusfm station manager. “This is another way we can ‘give back’ to the development of our community.”

“Developing our communities and inspiring young people is a key focus of the station. The first ‘Appies Project’ was launched to the first group of 62 excited students, some of who came from as far afield as Pietermaritzburg to be part of the first intake and is run by Lotusfm staffers, Ray Maharaj and Sanj Jayrajh.”

Ray Maharaj adds: “We wanted to source and nurture raw talent in our own communities and in this way, create a pool of creative and talented individuals that have a talent for on air, particularly in radio. Most of the current candidates have regular day jobs.

The course content covers a wide range of subjects, allied to the technical, creative, administrative and production aspects of radio broadcasting. It also includes talks, workshops and presentations from leaders and specialists in the field. During the six-month programme, the candidates work as individuals and on group projects.

Students will ‘graduate’ with a certificate of participation and at least one candidate will earn a contract with the station in the area of production or as an on-air presenter.

The course will be run twice a year and interested applicants should contact Sanjay Jayrajh on 031 362 5445 for more information.