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Showcase 2000 |
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Introducing New Radio For a New London in a New Century� |
Showcase 2000 is a London based 28 day Restricted Service Licence radio station set to operate in the Autumn.Showcase 2000 is to be a melting pot using a never-before tried radio presentation format.It will be giving extensive exposure to unsigned entertainment talent in a new and exciting way, whilst also being a radio equivalent of the Doomsday Book. Showcase 2000 will be an audio "stock taking" of London and the 20th Century.In a seemingly strange on-air mix, its brief is to reflect the music, humour, and many and varied under-exposed acts from, for example, fringe theatre or pubs/clubs that showcase new talent. Apart from entertainment, it has a very serious side too. Discussion Programmes and documentaries dealing with the fears and hopes that will form the early part of the new millennium will sit alongside programming on behalf of the often forgotten members of London's society. You can HELP! At the moment, Showcase 2000 is looking for voluntary help from people with ideas.Experience is not important. Imagination is the key to becoming part of this creative radio focal point for London. |
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(14 Jan 98 = last changes) (Additions to this expected during February 1998) |
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Contact Details E-Mail: Telephone: 07050-60-29-79 (Messaging Service) |
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As we come to the close of the 20th Century, a large number of television stations and newspapers will be producing their reviews of the millennium that is about to be gone forever. 1999 is going to be a year of constant reflection, probably to the point of distraction and depression. Most "End Of Year" reviews are bad, this one will be worse. They will have a whole 100 years to crow about, including two world wars and man landing on the moon. They will make interesting predictions about the coming 100 years. None of their predictions will hold any real validity to the ordinary person on the street, except those laden with doom and gloom designed to spark anxiety and fear. Less likely is that anybody will celebrate the unknown stars and future potential of artists, entertainers, and people with radical ideas and thoughts that can lead to change. By using the word "change" Showcase 2000 is not talking about political change, but the progress and development of humour, music, and attitude within the common cultural identity of "Londoners". In the UK, the Radio Authority will grant licenses for up to a month's worth of radio broadcasting for special reasons. We think Showcase 2000 has a special reason. Initially the project intends to broadcast for London during the autumn of 1998, and, if this is successful, twice more in 1999.
At certain times of the day there will be specialist "speech" programming. At other times, Showcase 2000 has plans to include new on-air presenters displaying their potential whilst introducing new and unsigned bands, singers and artists across the wide range of popular music, mixed with a more familiar celebration of the music of the 20th Century. The specialist programmes will include live "nights out" from clubs and pubs organising new talent nights. Exposure will be given to tomorrow's comedians, fringe theatre and new live acts. However, Showcase 2000 is not just about entertainment programming. It is also about information. There will be a series of documentaries and discussions covering a wide range of subjects. The various charities and organisations, especially the lesser known, working with Londoners will have full exposure. This will give a voice to a wide range of projects from those dealing with homelessness to those with radical new ideas to deal with domestic violence. In addition, there will be looks at new technology, a "stock taking" of how things developed in the 20th Century, and how they will be likely to continue into the 21st Century. That will be the theme of any and all documentary programming. Specialist series planned already include the development of radio and television broadcasting, the changing face of print media, the paranormal, the religious change, growth and decline, and living standards and attitude over the last and future 100 years. If you have an idea for a specialist programme, then you should contact Showcase 2000 regardless of your previous experience.
At this early stage Showcase 2000 is in need of volunteers able to help string the programming together, at least at its storyboard stage. Showcase 2000 will need on-air volunteers but that is not important yet. It is important to assemble of the potential ideas for the programming first. Broadcasting equipment and studios for the actual broadcast will be needed to supplement existing production equipment. Lastly, investment. Showcase 2000 will be a positive financial investment for any parties interested in supplementing the existing capitalisation. Despite being run as charitably as possible and involving voluntary input, it is unavoidable that operating costs need to be met for this fantastic project. Showcase 2000 needs to talk to potential sponsors and investors. Initial plans are that Showcase 2000 should be non-profit making. Apart from completely paying to generate the specialist programming for the charities, there is also the potential to raise a residue that could be used in a number of ways, dependant on the final structure of the organisation.
As has already been indicated throughout this small introduction to the exciting potential that is Showcase 2000, it is not the desire to exclude anybody from the project that has ideas. All too often new talent is excluded through lack of actual experience. This is not what Showcase 2000 is about. But, there will also be a need for volunteers to work behind the scenes. To achieve maximum effect Showcase 2000 should be the most talked about and pre-publicised RSL broadcast ever. This pre-air publicity is going to take organisation. The office is going to need volunteers. There are so many ways that people who support the Showcase 2000 concept can come forward and dedicate a little of their time. It is not restricted to potential broadcasters.
Since Showcase 2000 first went public, people have come forward saying, "Hey, you could do�". The Showcase 2000 standard reply is always, "No. You could! We'll help you put it together and broadcast it for you!"
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