Jacaranda 94.2 has grown enormously in the past year showing 24% growth in Gauteng audiences; a 27.9% Afrikaans market share in Gauteng and a whopping 50% growth in English audiences, according to the newest SAARF RAMS 2011/1.
But the station isn’t resting on its laurels. Instead, it launched on a campaign to listen to its listeners, and that research has resulted in a shuffle of its line-up, some new talent and shows, and of course, keeping the old favourites firmly where they’ve made the most impact.
“We are immensely privileged and proud to have such a stellar cast of top names at Jacaranda 94.2. In maintaining our status as South Africa’s No.1 independent radio station, this lineup delivers on the Jacaranda 94.2 promise: giving listeners more of what they want, more of life’s greatest – the greatest company, the greatest content, the greatest events and community projects and, of course, the home of Life’s Greatest Hits!” said Jenny Griesel, marketing manager.
The multiple award-winning Just Plain Breakfast with Darren Scott, Dianne Broodryk and John Walland, stays put in the 6am to 10am slot, but the team will be joined the ‘sometimes crazy’ Robbie Kruse, who will also be presenting the 5am to 6am slot on weekdays.
The first session of the Workzone, in its routine 10am to 1pm spot, will now be presented by Frankie du Toit. Frankie, known for his edgy humour and irreverent approach, takes the reins after being part of the Just Plain Breakfast team for many years.
Radio stalwart, Barney Simon, will still handle the second shift of the Workzone between 1 and 4pm.
Martin Bester Drive, everyone’s favourite address, will stay in business as usual between 4pm and 7pm in the drive time slot.
And then, things start changing…
Simon Hill, a relative newcomer to Jacaranda 94.2 with previous experience at Kfm, will be present the KFC Sports Cage between 7pm and 7:30 pm, before handing the mic over to Rian van Heerden.
Rian, popular stand-up comedian, columnist, radio and TV presenter, will heat up the airwaves between 7:30 and 10pm. Well known for sticking his head in the lion’s mouth, listeners can expect a highly entertaining show that’s way north of “just” interesting…
Count on the company of Julio Garcia between 10pm and 1am to make sure that you prefer midnight-hour insomnia! Julio, an avid South African music supporter, will ensure that you’re always in the know with all things local!
Weekends will, as listeners have come to expect, be packed with the best company that radio airwaves have on offer.
Saturdays and Sundays kick off with the Wake Up Shake Up with Andrew Sorrill between 6am and 10am, followed by the Jacaranda 94.2 Top 20 with Robbie Kruse on Saturdays between 10am and 12 noon, and Closet Classics with Barney Simon on Sundays in the same time slot.
Maurice Carpede, now also involved as a presenter on SABC 2’s 50/50, may be busy with lots of television field work during the week, but, as a firm audience favourite, he will be joining us on Saturdays and Sundays between 12 noon and 4pm providing the ideal soundtrack to early weekend afternoons.
Antowan Nöthling will ease into Saturday evenings from 4pm and 8pm. In the same time slot on Sundays, Pieter Koen will be the best company for a lazy, relaxed Sunday afternoon and evening.
Dewald Noel and Janina Oberholzer will be joining party animals and night owls on Saturdays and Sundays respectively, between 8pm and midnight. Dewald will spin the newest tracks an mixes out there with Saturday Night Fever, and Janina will make sure the week-end gets the perfect ending with excellent company and, of course, the best music!
PHOTO: Rian Van Heerden will be on air on week nights from 7.30pm.