Get Your Own Public Radio Show

If you've ever wanted to host a talk or music show on public radio, your time has come. The Public Radio Exchange is looking for "the next great public radio host," and have admirably decided to use the web to find one.

To enter is put together a little two-minute demo recording of yourself holding forth on issues, introducing and playing music, interviewing a guest, or whatever else you'd plan to do on your show, should you win the contest. The winner will get $10,000 and a chance to submit a pilot for their own nationally-distributed public radio show.

According to the announcement, even the decision-making process will be democratized, although a the panel of expert judges should be able to prevent gaming of the system:

"The public will help decide the winners by voting onlinefor their favorites alongside a panel of expert judges. It's like "ThisAmerican Idol" for public radio fans... 'This is an open casting call -- years of experience and education are not required,' said Jay Allison, producer of the celebrated *"*This I Believe" program and Talent Quest judge. 'What we’re looking for is that rare, precious X-factor that makes listeners tune in to their favorite shows day after day, year after year. If you have "hostiness," this could be your big break.'

"'Public radio needs to represent a broader slice of life if it is going to remain relevant,'
said Maxie Jackson, public radio consultant and contest judge. 'It is important that we reach out not only to current listeners, but also to those who are underrepresented in our industry such as people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Our goal is to open our industry to possibility and opportunity from an expanded pool of talent.'"

Here's the schedule:

* April 16: Round 1 begins, open submissions

* May 14: Deadline for Round 1 submissions

* June 4: 10 finalists announced

* June - September: Rounds 2, 3, 4

* September 24: 3 Winners Announced; Pilot production begins

Find out more about the contest on publicradioquest.com.