News South Asia

New kids on the block

Three talents will bring new vibes to radio station Hot FM, writes Dennis Chua

NORLIZA Khairudin became a household name when she won last year’s broadcasting personality search Projek Metro, aired on TV3.

Kuantan-born Norliza, or Liza then became a co-host of popular TV3 morning talk show Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI).

Now, she will be charming radio listeners with her sweet, bubbly personality as Hot FM’s “new kid on the block”. She teams up with established radio presenters Kieran (Maskiran Jakiran) and Ikhwan Rosli on the Hot FM Jam from 4pm to 8pm, Mondays to Fridays.

A broadcasting graduate from the Malaysian Institute of Integrative Media in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur in 2005, Liza had always wanted a career in broadcasting. Prior to joining Projek Metro, she worked behind-the-scenes at another TV station, as an assistant producer.

The second of five siblings, the 27-year-old credits her parents, especially her mother, for being her staunchest supporters and critics during her involvement in Projek Metro.

“My parents have always been supportive. They encouraged me to join Projek Metro because it was an ideal training ground for a career in broadcasting,” she says.

A fan of veteran TV3 personalities such as Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, Wan Zaleha Radzi, Zalina Azman, Datin Normala Shamsudin and Nor Azlina Redzuan (of Majalah Tiga fame), Liza also admires radio announcers Faizal Ismail and Fara Fauzana of Hot FM because they are honest and down-to-earth when dealing with listeners.

“They have superb rapport with fans during road shows too. I love their zestful and fun-loving ways,” she says.

Liza, who won RM20,000 and a year’s contract with Media Prima via Projek Metro, also learnt tips on looking and feeling good from actress Fasha Sandha, a judge on the show.

“Fasha encouraged me to lose weight and dress more stylishly because it’s good for TV or radio announcers to always appear elegant and attractive in the eyes of the fans,” she says.

In the long run, Liza plans to produce her own radio or TV shows. “I believe in taking small but meaningful steps and being a radio presenter with two of the coolest deejays in town — Ikhwan and Kieran — is a dream come true,” she says.

“Kieran and Ikhwan are very experienced and approachable. They are showing me the ropes as best as they can. The most important virtue as a radio presenter, they said, is to be a good listener because only then can one bond with listeners who call in every day.”

Meanwhile, two rising actresses in TV and film are co-hosting the station’s talk show Diva @ AM Krew. They are Sherry Alhadad, who co-starred with actress Sharifah Amani in Kolumpo, and Datuk Rosyam Nor’s actor search show, Pilih Kasih Season 1 graduate, Zulin Aziz.

Handling an hour-long slot at 7am, Mondays to Fridays, Sherry and Zulin have known each other since their student days at the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy (Aswara).

“We’re passionate about the arts, and it’s great to be mentored by our favourite radio personality Fara,” says Sherry.

“We had a great time co-hosting Anugerah Skrin together late last year,” says Zulin, a die-hard fan of director and actor Syamsul Yusof.

Diva @ AM Krew, says Sherry, is not scripted and listeners can chat with them live. “We can talk about almost everything — music, film or even culture — but sensitive issues are a big no-no,” she adds.

As they love to keep themselves updated on the latest happenings in local and American show business, this show is tailor-made for the duo who say they welcome constructive feedback and believe that broadcasters “never stop learning new things”.

“My mentor, Datuk Rosyam, emphasised this during our Pilih Kasih days. It’s great that he appears in some of the Hot FM shows, too,” says Zulin.

While they regard themselves as actors first, they are raring to go in their first radio job because they believe in breaking out of their comfort zones. They also share Liza’s long-term aspiration to become successful producers and television personalities.

“It’s best to be an all-rounder in broadcasting,” says Sherry.

“Versatility is the name of the game,” adds Zulin, citing Fara, who hosts women’s magazine Nona, as a great example.

Meanwhile, Hot FM Kelate’s “voice” Hafizie Roslan or Fizie, 26, is honoured to fill in Faizal Ismail’s shoes after the award-winning radio personality called it quits. A hit with listeners in Kelantan when he helmed Hot FM Kelate over the last three years, Fizie has been co-hosting the popular Hot FM AM Krew with Fara and AG since Feb 10.

“The three of us are fun-loving and very passionate about broadcasting. We have many common interests especially music. I believe in doing what I enjoy best, that is keeping listeners entertained with great music and jovial, spontaneous conversations,” says Fizie.

Media Prima Networks chief executive officer Seelan Paul says Liza, Fizie, Sherry and Zulin are hardworking and focused entertainers who can take the station to greater heights.

“Fizie has great chemistry with Fara and AG, likewise Liza with Kieran and Ikhwan, while Sherry and Zulin are natural entertainers,” he says.

He describes the four as a refreshing change to the station due to their fun-loving and spontaneous personalities,

“They have a positive attitude and dedication, and these traits will take them far in the industry,” he says, adding that as their careers progress, they will helm more radio productions, including their own shows.

Meanwhile, the station has a brand new project titled Projek EP. Paul says: “Projek EP will elevate the quality of local music. It allows budding composers and vocalists to write, compose and perform their songs. These will be evaluated by musician AG Coco, the producer.”

He says listeners can choose the best five songs during the two-week campaign but there will only be one winner. Projek EP is aimed at discovering new stars in local music composition.

Media Prima radio networks group general manager Anida Mohamad Tahrim says the eight-year-old station will also introduce a “mystery personality” named Doktor R.

“Doktor R’s show is aimed at helping listeners of all ages resolve their problems. He dishes out words of wisdom and handles issues with tact, but he is also fun-loving, with a touch of humour too,” she says.

Doktor R (who is really Rosyam in disguise) comes on air every Wednesday from 7.30am to 8.30am.