Kuala Lumpur, 23 June 2026 – Malaysia’s premier English radio station, HITZ, is ushering in a new era for its evening listeners. The station has proudly announced that Zach, the champion of the NEXT ON HITZ talent search, will be joining forces with Arka as the new dynamic duo for HITZ Tonight. The fresh pairing officially hit the airwaves on 22 June 2026, promising a revitalised after-work and after-school entertainment experience.
Airing every Monday to Friday from 8:00 PM to midnight, HITZ Tonight has long been a staple for young Malaysians seeking the latest hits, engaging conversations, and the hottest celebrity gossip. With the introduction of Arka and Zach, the segment is set to become even more vibrant.
The revamped show will introduce an array of exciting new talk sets. Listeners can look forward to deep dives into gaming and movies, as well as a dedicated spotlight on rising local Malaysian talents. In a significant milestone for the station, this pairing marks the first time two talents from Borneo are hosting an English-language show together. Celebrating this unique heritage, HITZ Tonight will feature a special Borneo segment that highlights the stories, culture, entertainment, and talents from Sabah and Sarawak.
Sean Farrell Matjeraie, the Brand Manager for HITZ, expressed his enthusiasm for the new direction. “By bringing together Zach and Arka, we are ushering in a new direction for HITZ. As a brand, we continue to stay ahead of trends and connect with the new generation of listeners. This fresh combination promises exciting ideas and engaging content that will keep audiences entertained throughout the night,” he stated.
Matjeraie further elaborated on the strengths of the new hosts. “As the NEXT ON HITZ champion, Zach brings a distinctive style and strong credibility, offering listeners a fresh and exciting on-air experience. Paired with Arka’s charismatic personality and vibrant energy, this duo is set to elevate HITZ Tonight, delivering a more dynamic, relatable, and impactful experience for our audience.”
At present, the station's primary focus is on the successful rollout and strengthening of the HITZ Tonight duo segment. While fans of the NEXT ON HITZ programme might be eager to hear more from other contestants, management has indicated that further announcements regarding part-time announcer roles for finalists will be made in due course.
Both Arka and Zach possess strong individual characters and unique delivery styles. Their combined capability to attract and engage new listeners is expected to further solidify HITZ's position as the top English-language radio station in Malaysia.
