Local media join forces

JON HOUZET

TALK of the Town has partnered with Kowie FM as sponsor of the Monday to Friday 9am to 12 noon morning show, to start on May 1.

Station manager Darryl Ochse welcomed the opportunity for the station to claim back the morning show for local content, as for the past year it had depended on programming from Link FM in East London.

The presenter of the Talk of the Town Morning Show is Ongezwa Jack from Nemato. Jack is a recent arrival in Kowie, having moved here from Uitenhage with her husband Mthetheleli in June last year to start Christ Movement, an evangelistic youth outreach organisation.

Jack joined Kowie FM as a news presenter four months ago and when she indicated a desire to be on a regular show, was teamed with Pastor Michael Dama on Monday evenings.

"They do a show called Izibhalo Nentlalo Yoluntu, which means writings and everyday life of people,” said programme manager Shaun van Heerden.

Jack discusses marriage and family matters on the show.

"This will be her first solo show,” said Van Heerden.

In addition to playing quality Christian and secular music, The Talk of the Town Morning Show will have regular daily features likes Green Tips and This Day in History, as well as syndicated programmes like Talking Money and the Naked Scientist.

Local content includes Music that Makes You Smile on Mondays, a Tuesday book review, Sister Ingrid talking about post-natal care on Wednesdays, Pauline from Plight pregnancy centre on Thursdays, and a DVD review by Jack on Fridays.

At 10am on Thursdays, Jack will discuss the local news of the week in TotT with one of TotT's reporters.

Among things to look forward to in future are a music trivia competition, with a prize sponsored by Unplugged music store.

"As a community radio station we need the support of local businesses through advertising and show sponsors to stimulate the local economy,” said Ochse. "This will create an opportunity for Kowie FM to move closer to broadcasting exclusively from Port Alfred and open up employment opportunities within the organisation. The Talk of the Town sponsorship for the morning show is a big step in that direction.”