YFM wants a white boy

2009-06-12 10:36

Thinus Ferreira

Cape Town - Black youth radio station YFM is looking for a young, white man - Afrikaans or English - to become a DJ as part of "affirmative action".

This urban radio station broadcasts from Rosebank, Johannesburg. It has over 1.4 million listeners, and can be heard countrywide on DStv's radio bouquet.

With the has-to-be-white-appointment, YFM is saying the broadcaster believes in "affirmative action".

"But we reject tokenism and are looking for a white-hot white boy" to become a member of the station's permanent announcers' roster.

Tumelo Diaho-Monaheng, YFM's programme manager, says the station's audience consists of the urban youth culture segment and are mostly black, but music should not be categorised by colour.

Emerging trend

"We're seeing an emerging trend among young white people who like to listen to our station and come to our parties. The new white radio announcer will also be chosen for their unique talent and ability to connect with the audience."

The new white announcer must be between 18 and 25, and besides English and Afrikaans, must also be able to throw in a bit of black language.

Prospective applicants can go to YFM website. They’ll have to be able to keep up with the black announcers' discussions of current affairs.

Applicants must also choose four songs which they think will be perfect for YFM's playlist.

- Beeld