Retro Hit Radio

Infobox Radio station
name = Retro Hit Radio


airdate = February 6, 2004
format = Retro, Old School
eirp = 500 mW
owner = "private"
webcast = [http://www.retrohitradio.co.nz retrohitradio.co.nz]
website = [http://www.retrohitradio.co.nz retrohitradio.co.nz]

Retro Hit Radio is an internet radio station based in Auckland, New Zealand. Retro Hit Radio currently enjoys a diverse music playlist predominantly from the 1980s and 1990s.

History

Retro Hit Radio was an idea in 1996, when the owners began building the music library. It started with a test broadcast on Waitangi Day, February 2004 on the frequency 106.9 FM in Otahuhu, and continued until a frequency change to 88.1 FM when it secured a broadcast site at Goodwood Heights late in 2004, and began broadcasting to Manukau City.

On October 1 2007, the 88.1 transmission in Manukau was switched off, and relocated to Kohimarama on the same frequency, where it was broadcasting until February 10, 2008.

The station is now a dedicated online radio station, based in Grey Lynn.

Format and Branding

Retro Hit Radio currently enjoys a diverse music playlist predominantly from the 1980s and 1990s. The music heard is nearly always upbeat, and plays a genre-crossing mix of Top 40 music, including pop, rock, dance and early electronic, old school hip hop, power ballads, post-punk, new wave, grunge, brit-pop, indie, disco, and breakdance.

Detailed music research reflecting playlists from New Zealand, Australian, United Kingdom, and American radio stations of the era, have been instrumental in building the library of 'hits'. Promotional radio edits have been sourced and used for broadcast, to present an accurate re-creation of the era. The energy and presentation of the station is loosely modeled on that of the 'hot' Auckland radio stations of the time - Radio Hauraki, 89FM and 91FM.

The radio station is identified on air by a mix of short produced elements, known in the industry as Sweepers, Voicetechs, Ramps, Music Imaging and Top Of Hour Kickers. There are also sung jingles, by Charene Clarke. Retro Hit Radio also brands itself by employing a corporate voice for Promotional Trailers. Phil Braithwaite "(Counties-Manukau Radio/Times FM)" was the original voice from 2004 to mid 2006, and Dan Bernstone "(More FM Christchurch)" since. These promotional trailers detail features - such as time specific shows (appointment listening), website information, reception tips, music branding (Retro Legends / Retro Reborn), community notices and contact information.

Broadcast license and coverage

Retro Hit Radio originally broadcast in stereo on 88.1 FM, which is one of 16 New Zealand Government licensed LPFM frequencies ( [http://www.rsm.govt.nz/licensing/gurls/gurl-lpfmbc-2.html GURL] ) available only in New Zealand. Broadcast power is restricted to 500mW EIRP. The Manukau broadcast site for Retro Hit Radio was elevated at 140m above sea level at Goodwood Heights "(near Manurewa)", and provided a radius of approx 8-12km of coverage in any direction "( [http://www.retrohitradio.co.nz/rhr/lis.php map] )". This is due to the flat local geography and well-serviced transmission equipment - including a PLL PRO III 4W [http://www.nrgkits.com/ NRG] transmitter and J-pole antenna. The Kohimarama transmission was from Rawhitiroa Road which overlooks Kohimarama and St Heliers.

Lineup

The weekday lineup consists of Mark Smith (6-10am), and Richard Phelps (10-5pm). Previous announcers include Greg Prebble (2-7pm), and Aidan Tavendale (10-2pm). Daily between 6-7 a.m. and repeated between 6-7 p.m. Retro Hit Radio also features the popular podcast [http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s/ Stuck In The 80's] , hosted by Steve Spears.

Notable features

Retro Hit Radio has become synonymous with their pre-recorded programming features, including "Guilty Pleasures", "Every Single Ever Released" and "The Top 100 #1 Hits of the 1980s". Immense research and production time is put into these shows, and they are often repeated in full.

Guilty Pleasures is an exclusive pre-recorded one-hour show hosted by Richard Phelps and guests, which showcases the "lost music" of the era, and attends to obscure listener requests. Often heard on air is the catchphrase "music from the wayside" and "from deep in the retro vaults", which may serve to explain the shows title, where the listener may secretly enjoy (the song) yet their peers may find it less than likable, or embarrassing.

Every Single Ever Released is an exclusive pre-recorded feature hosted by Richard Phelps that is usually heard during summer, or as a promotional tool to direct attention to an upcoming tour or album release from a core artist that is frequently played. It is presented as a musical documentary, following the musical timeline of this artist or band, as each single is released throughout their career. These shows vary in duration, with the longest (profiling U2) clocking in at 4 hours exactly. Each show obviously grows in length, as these artists release new material. The most recent, reflected the release of "Thriller 25" by Michael Jackson.

Each year, the show is presented as a series, which can include any mix of previous shows and new shows. Artists profiled include Madonna, Michael Jackson (epic years), Simply Red, U2, INXS, Janet Jackson, Eurythmics, Bon Jovi, George Michael and Duran Duran. Artists confirmed for the 2008 series include Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers and New Order, and are all in production. Other artists rumored for consideration are Bryan Adams, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Genesis, Depeche Mode, The Police, UB40, and Tom Petty.

The Top 100 #1 Hits of the 1980s is an exclusive 4-hour show hosted by Mark Smith, and was produced in October and November 2005. This show is presented in the style of an end of year featurette, with iconic audio clips of the era, and in-depth detail of the music, and how the culture and headlines were received in New Zealand during the 1980s.

The methodology behind the show's title and the music included, is based on music research and reflects New Zealand year end charts between 1980 and 1989. With this basis, a simple week by week points system determines song positions. A lot of New Zealand and Australian artists are included in this list of 100 singles, as a result of the localism of the music during this era.

There are currently no plans to produce a Top 100 #1 Hits of the 1990s, although there are plans for genre based shows using the same music research techniques. The first of which is "The Top 100 Retro Reggae Tracks", which was originally slated for production in June 2007, and likely set for broadcast in December. It has since been revealed on the website, this show is to be broadcast on February 17, 2008 - and compiled by audience vote.

Links

* [http://www.retrohitradio.co.nz/ Official Website]