Bill Vargus Emcees DELCO IDOL JUNIOR at Media Theatre Tonight, 7/15

Emmy-winner Bill Vargus, best known in the Philadelphia region for his 12 years as FOX-29's sports anchor, will emcee The Media Theatre's "Delco Idol Junior 2012" this summer. The popular Sunday evening vocal contest in which aspiring young singers ages 7-13 perform their hearts out for appreciative audiences begins tonight, July 15 at 7pm.

Familiar to many viewers simply as "Billy V", he was nominated for the Emmy 9 times, winning in 2008 and 2009 as Best Sports Anchor for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Vargus is very familiar with The Media Theatre stage, having appeared with his wife Sue Serio recently in the popular production "Love Letters". He has also been a judge during "Delco Idol" in the past, watching as Serio emceed the Wednesday night competition. She will return for the third year this summer.

After graduating from Temple University in 1980, Vargus worked for several Philadelphia radio stations, before becoming a TV sports anchor at WHYY. He then anchored in New York and Buffalo prior to returning to Philly for FOX-29.

Now a full-time actor and producer, he looks forward to working with children and young teens during "Delco Idol Junior". He said, "My daughter, Nia, took lessons at The Media Theatre when she was a child. Our family has a true connection and respect for the work being done at The Media Theatre, and the educational aspects of the Idol Contests."

A full listing of the 2012 "Delco Idol" and "Delco Idol Junior" contestants appears online at www.mediatheatre.org, where you may also vote for your favorite. Each vote is $2 and assists the programming at The Media Theatre. Those with the most votes each week have points added to their judges' scores and may be saved from elimination. Contestants are eliminated each week until only 20 remain for the finals.

"Delco Idol Junior" starts up tonight, July 15 and continues through Sunday night 12. Call 610-891-0100 for more information.