Perlman comes to 702 from Kaya FM, where his work garnered him numerous South African radio awards, including the News and Actuality Show of the Year award for 2020, and an induction into the Radio Awards Hall of Fame.

According to the station, Perlman is respected for his insights, his ability to facilitate constructive debate and for making many of the complex issues that shape South African society easier to engage and approach with balance.

"We are thrilled to be welcoming Perlman to our 702 family and we know he is going to become a keystone of our refreshed approach to talk radio and our enhanced proposition for current and new listeners," says Thabisile Mbete, 702's station manager. 

"Perlman has contributed immensely to journalism in South Africa, both in print and broadcast. We know that his fresh perspectives — that come from a career covering stories from the world of sport to current affairs, and everything in between — is going to be just what audiences are looking for on their Afternoon Drive," adds Mbete.

Perlman's career started in print journalism with the Weekly Mail, and he later moved on to write for the Saturday Star and the Sunday Independent. His decade long print career also encompassed contributions to several international publications, including The Guardian and the Financial Times.

Geraint Crwys-Williams, acting CEO of Primedia Broadcasting, says, "The world is changing fast and the rise of digital and social media has seen a seismic shift in how audiences are engaging with information and how — through the proliferation of disinformation and fake news — their trust in that information has been eroded."

"Primedia Broadcasting has a deep commitment to accountable media and we will continue to focus on our community-centric approach, which has always been such a prominent part of 702's DNA," adds Crwys-Williams.

"We know that Perlman will be key in having the kinds of conversations that contribute to the broader role 702 plays in our society and to connect with our listeners and communities fundamentally," says Crwys-Williams.

"I am excited to be working with so many journalists and presenters whose work I enjoy and admire," says Perlman, "and reconnecting with an important part of my journalism journey."

"702 was the very first station to give me a chance, first as a football reporter and later as a stand-in talk show host. That was back in the late 1980s when I was an absolute beginner. Hopefully, I've learned a few things since then and I'm looking forward to contributing to the next chapter of the 702 story," concludes Perlman.

For more information, visit www.702.co.za. You can also follow 702 on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.