Good Hope FM is doubling down on talent development, with Presenter Search winner Sasha Japtha making her on-air debut with her own Sunday morning show while several other finalists move into roles across the station.
The latest line-up changes see Japtha host Big Scorp Stinger Sessions every Sunday from 4am to 6am, while fellow Presenter Search finalists have been placed in news, outside broadcasts and production roles.
According to Good Hope FM programme manager Gerard Muller, the annual Presenter Search is designed to do more than find a single winner. It serves as a long-term pipeline for discovering and developing broadcasting talent from Cape Town communities.
“The Good Hope FM Presenter Search is an important initiative for Cape Town’s Original as it gives aspiring broadcasters a platform to showcase their talent, allowing the station to identify emerging talent from within our communities,” Muller says.
He adds that many of the station’s best-known personalities started their careers at Good Hope FM, making the competition a way to identify, equip and develop the next generation of presenters.
Japtha stood out among this year’s finalists for her “vibrant personality, strong communication skills, confidence behind the mic, willingness to learn, and natural connection with people”, Muller says.
From competition winner to live presenter
Rather than moving straight onto air, Japtha has gone through a structured training and mentorship programme ahead of her first live broadcast.
Muller says she has worked closely with programming staff, experienced producers and established presenters on content planning, audience engagement, broadcast preparation and on-air performance.
“At Good Hope FM we believe in creating an environment where talent can grow confidently while adding their own unique spice to the station,” he says.
The training included practical sessions, regular feedback and mentorship to prepare her for the demands of live broadcasting.
Creating more entry points into radio
While only one presenter wins the competition, Muller says the broader objective has always been to uncover talent for multiple areas of broadcasting.
The station has placed several finalists into news, production and outside broadcast roles, recognising that successful radio stations need a wide range of skills behind the microphone and behind the scenes.
“If it’s someone who brings a passion for broadcasting, a solid work ethic, a willingness to learn and a commitment to make a positive impact wherever they are, it’s our kind of candidate,” Muller says.
Experienced talent moves behind the scenes
The station has also reshuffled experienced staff, with Delucia Daniels and Michaela Muller taking on production roles on flagship shows.
Muller says the changes reflect Good Hope FM’s commitment to developing talent across the business, not only among presenters.
“Both Delucia Daniels and Michaela Muller bring a passion for innovation and pushing boundaries, valuable experience, vast knowledge and creativity to their new production roles,” he says.
A multi-platform approach to radio
As radio competes with podcasts, streaming services and social media for audience attention, Muller says Good Hope FM is focused on creating content that works across multiple platforms rather than simply repurposing broadcasts online. “It’s important to not just copy content from one platform to another, but to customise the message, tone, layout and mechanic of each platform to best serve, engage and move our audience,” he says.
The station’s presenters are expected to create content that lives on air and extends to digital platforms, giving audiences the option to engage with interviews, music, news and events on demand.
