The Gleaner Company's trend-setting radio station, Power 106 FM, is leveraging its brand popularity and global listenership in an exciting new entertainment and sports programme, 'Power Play'.

It will be hosted by former West Indies test cricketer and sports enthusiast Maurice Foster, CD.

The new programme begins tomorrow October 1 and will be aired from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, except Thursdays when it will be aired 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Foster is no stranger to the airwaves, having started his broadcasting career as a freelance commentator and analyst for BBC Radio and other leading radio and television stations around the world.

"I was never fascinated by radio but I recall that the late veteran broadcaster, Neville Willoughby, asking me if I ever thought about radio full-time," said Foster.

"About eleven years ago, another late veteran journalist, Hugh Crosskill, and I were talking and I proposed doing a sports programme with music which he suggested I make a demo tape of but then at the time, apparently, RJR, where he was responsible for recruitment and guidance of new on-air talent, wasn't ready for it."

90 per cent sports

According to Foster, his concept was for a 90 per cent sports and 10 per cent music format.

"When I got a call from the executive chairman of KLAS Radio about that kind of programme, it didn't take a lot of convincing. Listeners have accepted music and sports as part of the radio landscape," added Foster.

He said after 11 years at KLAS he decided that it was time for a change of environment, and with the potential of the trend-setting Power 106 moving to the station was not an issue.

Foster said he will still be doing special seasonal programmes at periods such as Christmas, Mother's and Father's Day with special music to mark these occasions.

"The music I grew up on was jazz, but hardly any is being played on radio. I really enjoy soul music with meaningful lyrics and I like oldies, the funkies and the works of reggae icons like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Tony Rebel but, while I'm not knocking those who enjoy it because it is a part of our culture, I find the lyrics of dancehall music wanting."

As he moves to Power 106, Foster singled out several persons to thank for their contribution to his success to date.

"I generally appreciate Alston Stewart for the opportunity he gave me to be in full-time radio; people like Stratton Palmer; Donna Chin, who I believe is one of the best females in radio, the 'Score Board' team and past broadcasters like H.G. Helps and Juliet Cuthbert."

Foster envisages that his partnership with Power 106 will create the opportunity for the return of live cricket match commentary and horse racing call coverage and previews to the station.