Inter-Island Communications, the parent company of Bermuda’s first licensed Black-owned and operated radio station, is celebrating 20 years in business.

It plans several events to mark this milestone, including the annual Bermuda Idol competition this evening, which is sponsored by IIC.

This year’s contest will feature 13 participants at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts at 7.30pm.

IIC was founded by former Progressive Labour Party cabinet minister Glenn Blakeney, Elroy Smith, Scott Pearman and Grady Moates.

Mr Blakeney, who has worked in broadcasting for decades, is the company’s chairman and chief executive.

IIC was granted two radio broadcasting licences and its first station, Hott 107.5, hit the island’s airwaves on July 5, 2004. Its second radio station, Magic 102.7, started transmitting on February 28, 2007.

“Both Hott and Magic provided community-centric formats to what Mr Blakeney said was a significantly underserved market for the majority Black demographic in Bermuda. It was decided that the formats should focus on delivering content geared more to that sector in addition to relatable generic content,” the company said.

Mr Blakeney thanked the public for supporting IIC, especially its coverage of events, such as Bermuda Idol, through the years.

Tickets for Bermuda Idol can be purchased at the Hott and Magic headquarters or online at ptix.bm.