Airs: Sunday 12:30AM

Category: Variety

Cast:

FLASH season II is returning to SABC 3 this October. Expect all the glitz and gossip as FLASH puts an all-new glam spotlight on the South African social scene.

The all-new season of FLASH is a refreshing perspective on South African celebrity culture, people, current events and the news of the day. This up-to-the-minute local entertainment format ingeniously channels social media streams, commentary and exclusively obtained stories. FLASH positions itself as a conduit through which South Africa’s celebrity culture presents itself on TV.

“The immediacy and interactivity of social media has made it a near impossibility to actually “break” the news. Often, how it “breaks” through social media streams is more interesting and newsworthy than the news itself. FLASH embraces this social trend and uses it to differentiate both its positioning and the delivery of local entertainment news. FLASH amplifies what’s out there in a savoir-faire way; the FLASH way. It’s all in the approach.”  Says Executive Producer for FLASH, Cecil Barry.

Underpinned by its positioning, local entertainment news, FLASH aims to bring an all new spotlight to SA’s social scene, bringing viewers more local entertainment news and celebrities more opportunities for exposure. The story behind the story, the confessions you have not heard, the latest info on everybody who’s somebody in ZA, the news that made news is signed to get the FLASH treatment.

The show is clever without trying too hard, slightly irreverent and most importantly, current. FLASH has a number of regular and light-hearted segments that focus on celebrity culture, entertainment and TV show news, music, movies, viewer generated content and much more.

Regular segments include:

§ NewsFlash a segment that unpacks the week’s exclusive stories?§ Flashtistics which features interesting social media statistics?§ FlashFrame features funny stuff found on the web or viewer’s photos taken with celebs?§ FLASH ends with Clip of the Week, a video clip, tweet, statement or event considered to be the best in the past week.

Each week, FLASH welcomes a celebrity guest on set. As well as being interviewed, the guest will provide commentary on selected stories. Also, a host of contributors will provide FLASH with the inside, never-heard-or-seen before social media scoop.

“Social Media is a rich form of entertainment. Even the public’s opinions about the news of the day are as engaging as the personality being discussed. FLASH employs the social media matrix to the max and uses it to enlighten viewers on all aspects of celebrity culture. Therefore, a large portion of the show will be dedicated to the delivery of such news.” says Ingrid Bell, Producer for FLASH.

This all new up-to-the-minute entertainment news format requires a talented personality with a distinctive reporting style. Currently in audition phase, the producers are looking for quick-witted commentary and a razor-sharp tongue. Although the show will be scripted, a large portion of the show will rely on the host’s ad-libbed commentary as s/he brings viewers highlights from the past week, and the latest info on everybody who’s somebody in ZA.

FLASH will be hosted by South African hip hop DJ and television presenter TBO Touch who has presented a variety of television shows such as Live and Mzansi Insider on SABC1.  Currently he is best known for his successful drive time radio show “Touch Down” weekdays on Metro FM.  Touch has also hosted the Metro FM Music Awards in both 2008 and 2010. TBO Touch’s social network boasts both local and international entertainment celebrities making him one of South Africa’s most connected people. Touch began his international flavoured career when he relocated to the Mecca of entertainment New York City at the age of 16 years. Touch served as an intern at Def Jam Records where he headed The Street Team. He pushed promotions for iconic names such as Foxy Brown and Red Man. It was at this time that he made successful connections with the hottest NY radio station, Hot 97. Touch’s natural enthusiasm and high energy will bring a whole new dimension to FLASH season 2. ?FLASH’s exclusive content will be obtained from local celebrities, their Reps, PR companies, well-respected bloggers and fans. Simultaneously, FLASH will provide a framework for viewer interaction. Either through Twitter, Facebook or e-mails, viewers will be able to add their voice to FLASH conversations. 

FLASH: taking South Africa’s entertainment news and social media antics to the next level!

FLASH. It’s Connected.?Only on SABC 3