Think You’ve Got the Voice? HITZ Turns to TikTok in Search of the Next Radio Talent

Malaysia’s leading English‑language radio station, HITZ, is opening the door to a new generation of broadcasters with the launch of NEXT ON HITZ, a nationwide talent search aimed at discovering fresh on‑air personalities from the digital space.

As radio continues to evolve alongside social media, the campaign reflects a broader shift in how media talent is discovered and developed. Rather than focusing solely on traditional broadcasting skills, HITZ is turning its attention to digital creators, recognising that today’s most compelling personalities are often built online, where authenticity, creativity and audience connection matter most.

More than just an announcer search, NEXT ON HITZ is designed as a real pathway for aspiring broadcasters to transition from everyday content creators into professional radio talent.

Image Credit: Astro Audio

Open to Malaysians aged 18 to 35, the campaign invites participants to submit their entries via TikTok by duetting a designated video on HITZ’s official account. Selected candidates will then move beyond the digital realm and into a real‑world broadcasting environment at the All Asia Broadcast Centre in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

There, shortlisted participants will undergo an immersive evaluation process, where they will be challenged and developed across multiple aspects of modern broadcasting, from voice control and on‑air delivery to content creation, personality development, and cross‑platform audience engagement.

Image Credit: Astro Audio

According to HITZ Station Manager Sean Farrell Matjeraie, the initiative is rooted in the changing reality of radio today.

“Radio talent today isn’t just about having a great voice, it’s about perspective, creativity, and the ability to connect with people wherever they are, especially on digital platforms,” he said. 

“There’s an incredible wave of talent out there, and many of them just need the right opportunity to break through.”

He added that NEXT ON HITZ is about broadening the definition of what it means to be a radio announcer in 2026.

Image Credit: Astro Audio

“We’re not just looking for announcers, we’re looking for personalities who can represent the voice of a new generation and grow with the brand,” Matjeraie said.

NEXT ON HITZ is open to Malaysian citizens nationwide, with entries accepted from 6 April to 24 April 2026. Shortlisted participants must be available to attend sessions at the HITZ studios in Bukit Jalil from 27 April to 8 May 2026.

Featured Image Credit: Astro Audio, Hitz