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COMPETITION RULES

Eligibility

Open to individuals aged 18 to 30.

Must be fluent in English.

No prior professional radio presenting contract required.

Must live in Durban.

Must be available on weekdays to host a live show.

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Submission & Guidelines

Demo, bio and headshot photo must be submitted along with the entry form.

Demo Format: Audio file (MP3/WAV), maximum 3 minutes.

Bio Format: PDF document Content: Must include an introduction, a short segment (music talk, news, or entertainment) and a sign-off.

Deadline: All demos must be submitted via the official online portal by the published closing date.

Originality: Content must be original; plagiarism or offensive material will lead to disqualification.

Submissions close on 20 June 2026


Judging Criteria

Voice Quality: Clarity, tone and modulation.

Personality: Charisma, relatability and energy.

Creativity: Unique style, engaging delivery and originality.

Camera Presence: Confidence, professional appearance, audience connection.

Professionalism: Adherence to time limits, language appropriateness and technical quality.

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Shortlising & Semi-Finals

Judges will select the top 20 demos.

Semi-finalists will be asked to record a themed social media post (instructions provided).

10 finalists will be selected after completing the social media challenge.

Audience voting may contribute to scores but judges’ decisions are final.


Reality Show FInals

This will be held live, in front of a judging panel.

Finalists (Top 10) will participate in filmed challenges for YouTube:

Hosting a live segment

Interviewing a guest

Team collaboration tasks

Contestants must agree to be filmed and featured in promotional content.

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Winner Selection

Winners will be selected on the same day that the top 10 are auditioned.

Winners will be chosen by a combination of judges’ scores and audience votes.

The judges' decision is final.


Prizes

Winners will receive 3 months of intensive training with industry professionals, covering:

Radio content creation

Media training

DJ 101 fundamentals

Opportunity to host a live show on Underground Radio (voluntary basis).

No monetary prizes will be given away.

This competition is focused on career development and industry experience rather than monetary rewards.

Runners’ up will get access to the same training courses through Underground Radio Academy at a discounted rate.

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General Rules

By entering, contestants grant permission for their content to be used in promotional material. Contestants must adhere to broadcast standards (no hate speech, explicit content, or discriminatory language). Organizers reserve the right to amend rules or disqualify contestants for misconduct. 

POPIA Compliance

By entering the competition, contestants consent to the collection, processing and storage of their personal information (including names, contact details, audio demos, headshots and video recordings) for the purposes of administering the competition, judging and promotional activities. Personal information will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and will not be shared with unauthorized third parties. Contestants have the right to request access to, correction, or deletion of their personal information by contacting the organizers. All data collected will be used solely for competition purposes and related promotional activities and will be securely stored.

GOOD LUCK!

Eligibility

Open to individuals aged 18 to 30.

Must be fluent in English.

No prior professional radio presenting contract required.

Must live in Durban.

Must be available on weekdays to host a live show.

Submission & Guidelines

Demo, bio and headshot photo must be submitted along with the entry form.

Demo Format: Audio file (MP3/WAV), maximum 3 minutes.

Bio Format: PDF document Content: Must include an introduction, a short segment (music talk, news, or entertainment) and a sign-off.

Deadline: All demos must be submitted via the official online portal by the published closing date.

Originality: Content must be original; plagiarism or offensive material will lead to disqualification.

Submissions close on 20 June 2026

Judging Criteria

Voice Quality: Clarity, tone and modulation.

Personality: Charisma, relatability and energy.

Creativity: Unique style, engaging delivery and originality.

Camera Presence: Confidence, professional appearance, audience connection.

Professionalism: Adherence to time limits, language appropriateness and technical quality.

Shortlising & Semi-Finals

Judges will select the top 20 demos.

Semi-finalists will be asked to record a themed social media post (instructions provided).

10 finalists will be selected after completing the social media challenge.

Audience voting may contribute to scores but judges’ decisions are final.

Reality Show FInals

This will be held live, in front of a judging panel.

Finalists (Top 10) will participate in filmed challenges for YouTube:

Hosting a live segment

Interviewing a guest

Team collaboration tasks

Contestants must agree to be filmed and featured in promotional content.

Winner Selection

Winners will be selected on the same day that the top 10 are auditioned.

Winners will be chosen by a combination of judges’ scores and audience votes.

The judges' decision is final.

Prizes

Winners will receive 3 months of intensive training with industry professionals, covering:

Radio content creation

Media training

DJ 101 fundamentals

Opportunity to host a live show on Underground Radio (voluntary basis).

No monetary prizes will be given away.

This competition is focused on career development and industry experience rather than monetary rewards.

Runners’ up will get access to the same training courses through Underground Radio Academy at a discounted rate.

General Rules

By entering, contestants grant permission for their content to be used in promotional material. Contestants must adhere to broadcast standards (no hate speech, explicit content, or discriminatory language). Organizers reserve the right to amend rules or disqualify contestants for misconduct. 

POPIA Compliance

By entering the competition, contestants consent to the collection, processing and storage of their personal information (including names, contact details, audio demos, headshots and video recordings) for the purposes of administering the competition, judging and promotional activities. Personal information will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and will not be shared with unauthorized third parties. Contestants have the right to request access to, correction, or deletion of their personal information by contacting the organizers. All data collected will be used solely for competition purposes and related promotional activities and will be securely stored.

GOOD LUCK!