SAfm changes its line-up

The changes begin with the extending of AM Live, which will now start half an hour earlier at 05:30 every weekday and go through until 09:00, half an hour later. John Perlman, arguably one of the country's most credible, sharp-witted on-air personalities, will present this show. The "After Eight Debate" will be a daily feature where Perlman will invite callers to discuss various issues of the day, and to talk to the main protagonists in the day's big news issue.

"The early start at 05:30 means that SAfm will be the first with all the news," says Tony Lankester, SAfm's marketing manager. "By the time others have woken up, SAfm will already be breaking the stories, analysing their impact, gauging the thoughts of South Africans around the country, and setting the news agenda for the day."

The weekday schedule continues with The Vuyo Mbuli Show from 09:00 to 12:00 hosted by the articulate, charismatic Mbuli. This show will maintain the news and current affairs theme and will be characterised by its listener involvement and interaction throughout the show. "Vuyo managed to maintain and incite audiences during his care-taking stint," says Lankester. 'We are pleased that he will join the stable fulltime."

Midday Live will keep listeners updated on the latest news and information between 12:00 - 13:30. The show will have a new presenter in March this year. "This will be one of our surprise appointments," continues Lankester. "We will make the announcement in mid-February."

Whilst the next host is a newcomer to the airwaves, he is no stranger to the broadcasting and communications environment. Sometimes controversial but always opinionated and insightful, Eric Miyeni will keep listeners updated on the latest news, lifestyle and arts issues affecting South Africans from 13:30 - 16:00 daily. "This is a coup for SAfm," says Lankester. "The Eric Miyeni Show will definitely stimulate our listeners on another level."

The news and information of the day will be rounded off with PM Live hosted by the ever-charming and eloquent Jeremy Maggs and veteran presenter, Ike Paahla from 16:00 - 18:00. The duo will give a rundown of the day's big stories, follow up on the latest news and set the tone for the day ahead.

Content for this impressive line-up is supplied by SABC News, the continent's largest news-gathering operation.

The remainder of the SAfm schedule will comprise an interesting mix of music and entertainment which will take listeners through the evening in comfortable style. "There is a strong emphasis in our evening and weekend schedule on other elements of the public service mandate of SAfm, and we will continue to deliver on that mandate," concludes Lankester.