WBUR Launches the “Next Great Show Contest” with Comedian Alonzo Bodden and “Car Talk” Producers

Think you’re funnier than Fallon? More comical than Colbert? Ready to make the next generation of public radio listeners laugh? Then get ready for your shot at stardom. WBUR, Boston’s NPR station, announced today the launch of the Next Great Show Contest. It’s a talent search for the person, or team, with the best idea for a fun new radio show.

"If my brother and I proved one thing, it’s that just about any jamoke can host a radio show,” said Ray Magliozzi, host of NPR and WBUR’s Car Talk. “If you’ve got an idea for a new program that will make people laugh then you should definitely enter WBUR’s Next Great Show Contest. WBUR is accepting all kinds of comedy show ideas, although, from experience, I recommend ones that don’t involve people you’re related to. So show them that you’ve got something that will have people laughing in their homes, their cars or while listening on their phone while in line at the DMV.”
WBUR is looking for a creative, funny, and engaging person or group who can give listeners some laughs on the weekend. Comedians, entertainers, writers, journalists, dog groomers, surfing instructors, really anyone with a particular sense of wit is encouraged to submit a show idea that no one has heard before, especially on public radio.

Up to three finalists will get the opportunity to refine their pitches with Car Talk producers David Greene and Catherine Fenollosa, also consulting producer of Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin. Car Talk, one of the icons that defines public radio, has been produced by WBUR since 1977.

"Just like Car Talk was more about Click and Clack’s humor, warmth and zest for life than it was about automotive repair, we believe there are new voices out there who’ll surprise us with their pitch and creative idea for a great new radio show,” said Iris Adler, Executive Director for Programming, Podcasts and Special Projects at WBUR. “We’re asking for pitches that are unique, exciting and unexpected for an NPR station to produce. Our only requirement is that the show idea needs to be funny."

The finalists will come to Boston in June to present their idea before a panel of judges which will include WBUR producers and award-winning comedian Alonzo Bodden, winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” (Season 3) and a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me. The Grand Prize winner will have a pilot episode produced by WBUR, with use of the Boston studios, programming, production and engineering assistance, as well as travel to Boston and lodging expenses. WBUR will have the right to determine if the show will become a full-fledged radio show. Judging, submission guidelines and details are on the official rules website.

 The Next Great Show Contest entries are being accepted in writing, video or digital format, and can be submitted through the Next Great Show Contest page, which is featured on the WBUR website. Submissions deadline is April 20, 2018.