20 outback community radio presenters this week have gathered in Bourke for a week of AFTRS training at local station, 2WEB, after a volunteer presenter won the course as part of John Laws’ Radio Idol competition.

Mark ‘Bus’ Holman won the course as second prize in the national competition, which was run last year on the Laws’ show. Instead of taking it just for himself, he donated it to the station for the benefit of his colleagues.

The 20 participants are from host station, 2WEB, as well as Bourke’s aboriginal station, CUZ FM, and stations in Walgett and other nearby towns.

2WEB Manager, Sue Smith, has told radioinfo: “The staff and volunteers seem to be getting a lot out of the four day course. They have learnt how to put more personality into their presentations, how to interview and, importantly, how to avoid defamation and other legal problems.”

A sequel to the Radio Idol competition is rumoured to be in preparation behind the scenes at the John Laws’ show. More details of the reality competition are expected to be revealed next week.