Even public radio is jumping on the “American Idol” bandwagon.
Searching for a few good voices, the Public Radio Talent Quest, an “Idol”-style competition, will offer three aspiring radio hosts a chance at $10,000 and a shot at a national show.
The contest is being run by the Public Radio Exchange.
“We’re looking for people with hostiness,” said executive director Jake Shapiro. Hostiness, he explained, is “that elusive, magnetic X-factor quality” all good hosts have.
Unfortunately for Don Imus, he can’t enter.
“One of the only requirements we have is that you can’t have already hosted a national show,” Shapiro said. “Though (Imus) might be looking for a new gig, the Public Radio Quest is not open to him.”
Contestants can submit two-minute auditions online beginning Monday. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and listener votes.