'O Channel' looking for INXS frontman

'O Channel' looking for INXS frontman

Remmy Faizal, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

The O Channel, a lifestyle television station in Jakarta, plans
to broadcast the search for a new INXS frontman in July, O
Channel managing director Meuthia Kasim said.

Legendary rock band INXS is looking for a new vocalist to
replace the late Michael Hutchence and is turning its search into
a reality show. The show, called Rockstar, will feature
contestants from around the world, with Armand Maulana, the
frontman for local band GIGI, representing Indonesia.

"At first we wanted to hold an audition similar to the one on
Indonesian Idol. But since the show is about to begin, we just
chose Armand because his voice is the most similar to the late
Michael Hutchence," said Meuthia at a press conference on
Thursday.

Hutchence committed suicide in 1997.

Armand said he was honored to be given this once-in-a-lifetime
chance and was proud to represent Indonesia at the international
competition.

"I am already preparing and will try to do my best," said
Armand.

The O Channel, short for Jakarta's Own Channel, was launched
on Aug. 2, 2004, in restricted areas and was expanded in May
2005. Meuthia said more adjustments needed to be made before the
station was rolled out citywide sometime in the middle of 2006.

Meuthia said the station's programs would focus on lifestyle,
entertainment and city issues.

One of the programs, DKI 15, is the result of a cooperation
with the city administration.

Meuthia said the program The Box would allow viewers to
express their opinions about almost any topic.

"Our advantage over other stations is that as a local station,
we only have to cover Jakarta and we do not have to worry about
other regions," said Meuthia.

The station, a joint venture between PT Mugi Rekso Abadi (MRA
Group) and PT Elang Mahkota Teknologi (Emtek Group), will also
cooperate with Chum Television International (CTI).

CTI is one of Canada's largest media companies and already has
programs in over 150 countries. "We think Chum is an example of
one of the most successful local TV stations ever," said Meuthia.

Local television stations have appeared throughout the country
as a result of new broadcasting regulations introduced in 2002.

Another local Jakarta station, JakTV, was launched earlier
this year.