South Africa, Nov. 27 -- The Hot Radio Academy was founded by Hot 102.7FM managing director Lloyd Madurai, with one core mission: to nurture and grow the broadcasting industry by offering accessible, industry-level radio training free of charge, thereby opening doors that would have traditionally been closed to many.

"We believe it's important to hold out a helping hand to the next generation of radio talent in this country," says Madurai. "Someone once took a chance on me, and I have always learnt to give back. That's what we're all doing here at the Academy."

Led by respected industry veterans Tim Zunckel and Grant Nash, the 8-week programme gives students an all-access introduction to radio - from presentation skills and content crea...