- Hokonui Gold
Infobox Radio Station
name = Hokonui Gold
airdate = 1994
area =Southland New Zealand
frequency = 94.8 FM
format =Adult Contemporary
owner = Independent but operated byThe Radio Network
slogan = "Heart of the South"
callsign_meaning = 4ZG |Hokonui Gold is an
easy listening radio station that is based inGore, New Zealand .The station was formally known as 4ZG or Radio Hokonui, which broadcast on 558 AM and was operated by
Radio New Zealand . 4ZG was first started in the 1970s and the station was used in the evenings to broading the Concert Programme until Concert FM began broadcasting on its own frequency. In 1992 4ZG was reduced to just 4 hours a day of programming and outside this time a simulcast of4ZA was played. In the eyes of many this change seemed the station was dying of a slow and painful death so as a result two locals purchased the station. In 1994 4ZG became Hokonui Gold and reverted back to being live and local.In 1996 Hokonui Gold made the move to FM when it began broadcasting on 92.4 (Forest Hill) and 94.8 (High Peak) but with a lack of
FM Stereo sound found on most FM Stations. The 558 AM frequency was taken over by The Radio Network and was first used as a second frequency for Classic Hits ZAFM but later this frequency was used forRadio Sport .Over the years Hokonui Gold continued to operate independently and competed well against many new network stations that arrived in Southland during the late 1990's. Hokonui Gold prided themselves on being a local station and once published advertisements stating "We believe Auckland radio should stay in Auckland" and "Our bosses don't live in Canada or Ireland" emphasing the fact the station is locally owned and operated.
In 2004 the station was leased back to
The Radio Network , the successor to Radio New Zealand's commercial operations. Despite this change Hokonui Gold still remains live and localbut now usesNewstalk ZB news service andThe Radio Network advertising. One of the most popular shows on Hokonui Gold is the local Farming Show and this show is now played onNewstalk ZB in rural areas. In 2005 both frequencies were moved to Hedgehope and the 92.4 FM frequency reassigned to Coast. In 2006 spot coverage to West Otago was established on 95.2 FM High Peak.External links
* [http://www.hokonuigold.co.nz/ Hokonui Gold Website]
* [http://www.farmingshow.com Hokonui Gold Farming Show]
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