Hopefuls line up this morning for live TV presenter role

MEDIA RELEASE

Hundreds of hopefuls line up this morning for live TV presenter role

AUCKLAND, 30 June 2012 – New Zealand’s newest TV channel - The Shopping Channel – going live 1 October, is today holding a first round of auditions for presenters keen to be a part of this prestigious prime-time hosting role.

Hundreds of aspiring TV hosts and presenters braved the cold, getting in early this morning in Auckland to queue up for the chance to become New Zealand’s latest television talent.

“The talent we’ve seen this morning from Kiwis of all ages has been amazing,” says Alistair Duff, CEO of The Shopping Channel.

The Shopping Channel’s main anchors will be former rugby league player-turned professional boxer Monty Betham and dancing queen Candy Lane.

Five hundred New Zealanders pre-registered to have the chance to attend auditions today. Their challenge: to perform a 60-second sales pitch. Another round of open castings will be held with opportunities for people living in other parts of the country.

“Being a presenter on The Shopping Channel will undoubtedly launch someone’s career. Our hosts play a crucial role in the process of informing and entertaining viewers.”

Duff says presenters will need to have the skills and personality to deliver on the crucial task of bringing merchandise to life through their demonstrations, providing ideas and giving shoppers much more than they bargained for.

“It’s a lot harder than it looks but there’s been some very clever thinking behind the demonstrations, some really ‘out of the box’ imagination which is what we’re looking for,” says Duff.

The new, locally owned and locally produced channel is launching on Sky Channel 18 and Freeview Channel 18 in October, bringing the internationally successful home shopping format to New Zealand for the first time. It will be the country’s first, dedicated 24-hour selling channel.

“This is an unique retail experience in New Zealand – bringing live television and on-line shopping together – by kiwis for kiwis, supporting local brands coupled with international product – a destination for everyone,” says Duff.

Overseas, hosts can have TV careers that span decades and it’s expected the new channel will also make these new, fresh faces famous.

For more information go to www.shoppingchannel.co.nz and follow us on twitter @shopping_nz. - ENDS

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