Ballarat's own variety television superstars Lance De Boyle and Gabriella Labucci of LaNCE TV will host this year's Channel 31 Antenna Awards on May 29. The annual awards recognise the technical and creative achievements of community television presenters, producers and technical staff across Australia. Community television has an surveyed audience of around five million people in Australia, and provides many specialised language and cultural programs.
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Now in its fourth year of broadcasting, LaNCE TV has featured an astonishing array of guests including Deni Hines, Monique Brumby, Grace Knight of the Eurogliders, The Choirboys' Mark Gable, Greg Gould, Ethel Chop, Jacqui Walter of Bluehouse, Maria Mercedes, Jacqui Dark and Dr Shellie Morris.
They also presented a special episode this year on Transgender Day of Remembrance and continue to both tell stories and advocate within and beyond their regional area every week.
To add some spice to the evening, LaNCE TV has also been nominated in four categories at the awards: Best Factual, Current Affairs or Interview Program; Best Live and/or Outside Broadcast Program; Best Technical & Creative Ingenuity During Lockdown; and Personality of the Year.
"Not bad for a little LGBTQIA+ show from Ballarat," says host Lance De Boyle.
"Darlings, Gabriella and I are absolutely frothing over being invited to host this year's Antenna Awards at Deakin Edge. As Ballarat based producers on C31 Melbourne, we are truly honoured to be part of community televisions 'Night of Nights' in this manner.
"Community television such an important part of our broader community fabric. The representation of culture, language and overall diversity, which comes with community television, is something which will never be seen on mainstream television and remember, we cannot be what we cannot see."
C31 is long recognised for producing some of Australia's greatest up-and-coming talent, and has been a launching pad for artists such as Hamish and Andy, Rove McManus and Waleed Aly and others, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
"They do it all every year on the smell of an oily rag, producing innovative, entertaining and educational content for their viewers," Lance says.
Darlings, Gabriella and I are absolutely frothing over being invited to host this year's Antenna Awards
- Lance De Boyle
Past Antenna Awards winners include Mitch McTaggart (SBS Viceland), Logie award winner Sarah Barton (Fertile Films), and Oz African TV. Nominees are elected by a panel of industry experts, with judges for the 2021 awards including Laura Imbruglia (Music Victoria), Dave Houchin (Triple R) and Britt Aylen (7 News).
"Always a variety show with a difference, hosts Lance DeBoyle and Gabriella Labucci will bring their standard jaunty and boisterous flair and an infinite supply of sequins to host this spectacular event," promises Lance.
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