Format

Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries format Radio Gaga, which follows a hyper-local, intimate radio station, has been commissioned by Novo19 in France.

The new French national general-interest DTT channel Novo 19 is launching 1st September, supported by the Ouest-France Group. With its roots in the regions, the channel will give a voice to those who make the country what it is day to day. One of the two hosting slots for the French Radio Gaga series will be filled by French star Raphael De Casabianca (“Rendezvous En Terre Inconnues”) and produced by his production company Petaouchnok in coproduction with Winter Production.

In further deals, NHK has recommissioned the series for a sixth season while RTS in Switzerland has committed to season 10 following huge success with viewers in both territories. The feel-good series has also been adapted in the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK on S4C and Spain for multiple seasons.

Originally produced in Belgium by De Chinezen for VRT’s Canvas channel, Radio Gaga sees two hosts travel through the country in their mobile radio studio, stopping to set up camp in various small communities. They then spend the next 48 hours running a radio station for the locals – taking everything from song requests to confessions. Our hosts will make an at times humorous, and at times touching, hyper local radio show. Central to everything are the residents and passersby. They will request songs and be interviewed - they are the narrative and soundtrack to each show. The audience is the community, perhaps acquaintances, discovering each other’s stories.

Julian Curtis, Founder at Lineup Industries said: “Given the remit of Novo 19 to reflect the everyday lives of the people in France, Radio Gaga is an ideal fit - the series captures the soul and the soundtrack of a particular place. What is unique about this community, and what connects those who live there? It’s a show that really resonates with communities all over the world, as the many recommissions show. We’re looking forward to seeing what Novo19, Raphael De Casabianca, and his team at Petaouchnok, discover about the corners of France in their local version.”