Clearly the most recognisable face of Randall Abrahams is that of straight-talking, no ‘BS’ judge on the music talent show 'Idols' and 'SA's Got Talent'.
Randall's weekend radio show, "POV" is heard on Algoa FM, Heart FM and Ofm Kaya.
As a speaker on the corporate circuit, he provides an insightful and incisive view of the role the media plays in shaping modern consciousness. Over the past few decades, media messages have come to dominate every sector of modern life - Randall investigates this proliferation with interesting and arresting anecdotes. Having played a role in media organisations such as the SABC and Yfm and on television hit Idols, Randall has been in contact with a host of personalities and tells fascinating stories of how to manage difficult personalities and get the best out of them.
He started his professional radio career in 1992 after having been active at UCT Radio while studying for an honours degree in political science. Staring as a part-time programming assistant, he was soon employed full-time, moving up to the position of programme manager and within a short time headed the regional broadcaster as Station Manager. During that period Randall Abrahams oversaw the careers of Mark Gillman, Zuraida Jardine and Tomas (Bad Boy T) Msengana.
In 1997 he headed-up the newly licensed Yfm and despite gloomy predictions from both advertising and radio pundits, the station had a listenership of 650 000 after just 6 months, reaching well over the 2 million mark after 3 years. DJs included Phat Joe, Fresh and Phindie Gule - names that were to go on to media success in other environments. Despite being financially sound, by far the most important element of Yfm’s accomplishments was the cultural significance within the young adult market.
Randall Abrahams rejoined the SABC in 2002 as General Manager: Commercial Radio heading up the division that encompassed 5fm, Metro FM and Good Hope FM. Back at the public broadcaster he focused on creating a co-ordinated programming and marketing approach to the individual brands that saw the stations working as partners rather than independent assets. All stations enjoyed improved financial performance and award winning marketing campaigns. Exciting programming initiatives saw numerous broadcasts from across the continent and beyond from names such as Nicole Fox, Sasha and Ian F, Nigel Pierce and Glen Lewis.
As a dedicated industry player Randall held the office of Chairperson of the National Association of Broadcasters from 2000-2002 and was also a board member at the Advertising Standards Authority from 2002-2006.
Randall left the broadcasting industry in 2006 and is currently a partner in a concert production unit and PR agency.