Industry observers are expecting the launch of Jaan Torv’s new Gold Coast Hot Tomato station very soon as they begin to lock in more on and off air staff and switch on for their test broadcasts.

102.9 Hot Tomato will begin test broadcasts within days and anticipates launching the new FM commercial service soon after. Air Media Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane has been appointed as the station’s National Sales arm.

The station has picked two new talents from the 2003 full time AFTRS Radio class for overnight shifts – Lisa Leong and Brendon Boss, who will join the new station towards the end of their course.

Former 2SM and 2LT producer Lisa Lloyd has also moved to the Gold Coast to be part of the impending start up venture.

Hot Tomato PD Rob McCasker would not be drawn on the exact launch date when questioned by radioinfo, but he did say:

“It’s great to think we will have some fresh new talent for our live overnight programs. It is a great place to start your career and we are looking forward to having Lisa and Brendon develop their skills with the company as it grows…

We are going out soon with client presentations, so we will be able to tell you more then.”