A revitalised television show will give the Island's young people a forum where they can express and exchange their views.

Youth Talk 2000 is a half-hour show that will feature a cross section of young people in the community discussing critical issues and topics of importance to them.

"I'm excited,'' said co-host Gina Spence. "This show will talk about a lot of issues and give some guidance and resources.

"Our objective is to talk things through and then find some solutions.'' "Kids have a lot of things to face out there and a show like this will help them,'' said Bermuda Broadcasting Company production manager Mike Smith.

"Youth Talk was a Bermuda Broadcasting show for five years and had been on hiatus for a year. "Gina wanted to get it back on the air and came up with some fresh idea for the show.'' Together, the pair will co-produce the television show that promises to be invigorating and empowering for Bermuda's youth.

"It's a good partnership,'' he insisted. "Gina came up with the format and the topics and she has the talent and ideas. We have the facilities and the know-how.'' Youth Talk 2000 will be launched tonight at 8 p.m. on ZBM with the first installment focusing on the widely held belief that there is nothing to do in Bermuda.

"We'll talk about what's happening out there, for example there's the after school programme and The Centre on Angle Street has a number of programmes for young people,'' explained Ms Spence.

"The first show will be live in the studio, then we will go on location to youth centres and on the street,'' Mr. Smith added. "We're going to record it like it's a live show.

"It will be a very loose format with some funky camera angles. We're also getting young people involved in the production.'' Ms Spence said the show will target all young people, from the wealthy to those living on the street.

"We will appeal to all of them, from youngsters to Bermuda College students,'' she said. "We'll have local teens talking about their personal experiences and the lessons they learned.

"Young people have a voice and need to be heard.'' Aside from being a platform where the youth can speak their mind, the show will broadcast resources and key individuals who can actually help teens solve their problems.

"There will always be an expert on the show to give insight to the issue,'' she said. "All of the youth centres, church youth groups and Government services will be tapped for this show and we will tell people how to contact them.'' Youth Talk 2000 will also feature a question and answer period and close each show with a remark segment entitled Food For Thought.

"We always want to end the show on a positive note, encouraging teens to make positive decisions and provide food for thought,'' said Ms Spence.

"It's not going to be all negative, it's going to be a positive show,'' Mr.

Smith added. "Young people are doing some positive things out there and we want to get that message across.'' Anyone, parents or teens, interested in getting involved with the show should contact the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.