TLC’s Next Great Presenter campaign was created to give back to their fans, by offering one lucky person the opportunity to present their own series on TLC. From Sunday, 9 August to Thursday, 3 September, TLC fans from across Africa were invited to submit videos explaining why they love TLC, and also present a pre-written script to camera in the hope of becoming TLC’s first African presenter.
After receiving over 1500 entries, TLC narrowed the selection down to the best 12 who will be taken through to the next stage – the Next Great Presenter: Boot Camp. For two days, the 12 semi-finalists will receive expert training from industry insiders about how to become top presenters; from performance coaching and media training, to beauty and style tips and of course filming links to camera.
“It’s such a privilege to be known as an authority in on-air skills on the African continent. Being one of the individuals entrusted with mentoring and selecting the three finalists is an honour and I’m looking forward to making my contribution in showing the world the unbelievable talent we possess in Africa,” says Tshabalala.
Over the two days, the 12 semifinalists will be whittled down to three finalists by a panel of judges who will observe the contestants throughout the course of the boot camp and decide which three that they think have what it takes to become TLC’s Next Great Presenter. Tshabalala will sit on the judging panel with fellow industry experts, Aletta Alberts, GM of content at DStv, Cathy Lund, editor of Cosmopolitan SA, and Lee Hobbs, VP of channels, Discovery Networks.