After holding the fort for almost 11 months, broadcaster Sizwe Dhlomo will officially take over the Kaya 959 (Kaya FM) breakfast slot this month. Dhlomo took over the slot co-hosting with Sol Phenduka after Dineo Ranaka was axed from the station last year.
The official announcement was made via a statement of Kaya 959, making a few changes to their weekday and weekend on-air lineup.
Response to market demands
According to the station, the changes are a well-thought-out response to market demands for the best listening experience. This particularly with radio personalities listeners have a strong connection to.
From April 15 the radio personality will officially take over the weekday 6am-9am slot titled Siz the world with Sizwe Dhlomo. He will be supported by Sol Phenduka, Mpho Maboi and Mfundo Mabalane.
As previously reported by Sunday World, radio giant Glen Lewis, who left Radio 2000, has joined Kaya 959 to co-host with Skhumba Hlophe. Their show, Drive 959, will be on the weekdays 3pm-6pm. Lewis takes over from Thomas Msengana, who currently hosts the show with Hlophe. Lewis and Hlophe will be supported by Kgomotso Meso, Angie Khumalo and Ayanda Nyathi.
Glen Lewis’ huge price tag
In a previous article, employees said Kaya FM broke the bank to secure Glen Lewis’s signature. This as part of its strategy to incrementally increase its listenership and ramp up its advertising revenue.
“He did not tell us how much they were offering him. But he would not have left a station of Radio 2000’s stature for a regional radio station if the offer was not mouth-watering,” said the employee.
But also, said the employee, Glen Lewis was tired of waking up in the wee hours every morning for his breakfast show. “His show is from 6am to 9am, he is expected to be at work around 4am, and that’s taxing. I bet you can do that when you are still young. But when you reach his age, it becomes difficult.”
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