Nine hunts for male host

THE HUNT is on for a host for STW9’s new local game show Initial Reaction.

STW9 programs and presentation manager Ric Bryndzej said the show would involve general knowledge questions combined with a bit of strategy.

“It will take the form of extended noughts and crosses,” Mr Bryndzej said. “We will produce sixty-five half-hour episodes in the next thirteen weeks and are currently holding the second round of auditions for a host.

“Contenders have been reduced to a short list of three.”

Basil Zempilas and Tod Johnston are hot rumours for the position.

The show will screen weekdays at 5:30pm. Mr Bryndzej said research had indicated the main demographic in this time slot was female. “As a consequence, the host will definitely be male – research indicates female viewers prefer this,” he said. “It’s curious – maybe it has something to do with men being the traditional game show hosts.”

The show will be filmed in front of 100 to 200 local audience members using WA contestants, an opportunity normally denied to Western Australians. “Even the prizes will be supplied locally,” Mr Bryndzej said. “We will be calling for contestants in the next two weeks who must pass a basic test of general knowledge to qualify.”

Mr Bryndzej said Initial Reaction would also provide more work for STW9’s production staff. “We have just put on three new staff members and there is a big buzz around the station,” he said. “Channel Ten is being penalised by some local advertisers for continuing to remove themselves from Perth – it’s no secret they do their news over east.

“STW9 is not about that.”