Invariably, when a radio or podcast network sends out the media release about a new show, somewhere within there will be a reference to X has a gazillion TikTok followers, or Y already has fifteenty thousand downloads. Some opportunities now ask for you to declare your followings as part of the application process.
This pressure to make content, to influence, to garner likes, feels exhausting and a disconnect from the real world of people who just go about their lives without documenting it. However, TV and radio currently have opportunities for such people, those who haven’t amassed a huge following but still harbour dreams of a media career.
Big Brother, the reality TV show hosted by the Nova Network‘s Mel Tracina, returns November 9 after a two year hiatus with none of the housemates allowed in their applications to have a media background. It’ll just be crew of people there for some fun, hopefully winning some cash and maybe, off the back of the audience getting to know and like them without filters and editing (outside of what 10 does to it), some new and paid opportunities next year too.
That’s how we met the loveable Fitzy, now on Nova 969 breakfast in Sydney, the forthright, charming and Nova Networked Chrissie Swan and larrikin Nathan Morris over at Nova Perth. There were so many we liked, and a few we didn’t, who have gone onto significant careers once they departed the house.
Regular Radioinfo contributor Dave Charles shared, with some prescience, that the US and Canadian markets, in their own efforts to find the ultimate gold nugget of unknown real, natural and likeable talent, were scouting at karaoke nights. SCA and Triple M haven’t resorted to that (actually, for all I know they could have), instead they’ve put the call out for everyday Australians to submit their best five minutes of audio for the chance to host a national show. The winners, this December, will be part of five brand-new Breakfast shows to go to air nationally for Pilot Week, and the possibility of ongoing work with the network.
Applications close next Friday November 14 and I would bet my microphone that SCA has had an absolute onslaught of applications already. This time Triple M does want to know all your handles and asks if you have ACTUALLY read the T&Cs. I actually did and it unfortunately has one incomplete edit which makes me unsure whether anyone from a rival network can or can’t apply. Hmmmm.
Irrespective I am genuinely excited to hear who is chosen for Pilot Week because there will be some people not from a radio background. If they are retained they will come with enthusiasm, new perspective and are likely cheaper than internal promotions or poaching from other networks. Maybe other networks will poach them?
According to the T&Cs the prize claim date is Wednesday November 19, which is a very tight turn around for all those involved in reviewing the applications. They’ve probably started already. Anyway, a toast to new faces and voices who, by the end of 2026 will no longer be blank slates but household names with their own gadzillion followers.
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Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster with five followers, all related to her. Email: [email protected]