Kiwi FM

Infobox Radio Station


name = Kiwi FM
airdate = 2005
area = 3 Markets in New Zealand
frequency =
format = New Zealand Music, News and Opinion
owner = MediaWorks NZ
slogan = "New Zealand's Global Radio Station"
callsign_meaning = |

Kiwi FM is a New Zealand Radio Network playing 100 percent New Zealand music both nationally and to the world via its 24/7 live stream. The network was designed specifically to showcase the best New Zealand music across the broadest range of genres, enabling greater access to an international market for local, contemporary artists. The station broadcasts in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on FM frequencies, nationwide on SkyTV Channel 500, and globally through its [http://www.kiwifm.co.nz internet stream] . Kiwi FM is operated by Kiwi Radio Ltd, a non-profit subsidiary of MediaWorks NZ.

History

The station was first known as Channel Z and played alternative music before being relaunched as Kiwi FM and only playing New Zealand music. It was launched on Waitangi Day, 6 February 2005 and was opened with a speech by Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Despite beginning with much fanfare and support, many of the old Channel Z listeners stopped listening to the station as they did not like the new format, and it failed to attract new listeners. Kiwi's audience in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, dropped to poor numbers, much lower than its predecessor Channel Z. CanWest MediaWorks NZ, in response to the falling numbers, announced that it planned to end Kiwi FM in Auckland and replace it with an Easy Listening station, The Breeze.

On May 1 2006, the New Zealand Government granted Kiwi FM access to new FM frequencies, under an agreement that kept the 100 percent Kiwi music station on the airwaves. Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said the station had been granted the use of three FM frequencies for an initial period of one year, during which time it would work towards becoming a not-for-profit organisation. As part of the agreement to use the frequencies, the station's brief will be to significantly expand its content to include a greater range of New Zealand Music.

Kiwi FM was relaunched under one of the most innovative broadcasting models in New Zealand history - ostensibly a partnership between Government Ministries of Broadcasting and Economic Development, and listed media company Canwest Mediaworks. The new network was designed and implemented in less than three months, launching on July 17, 2006 with a number of respected staff members - including Opshop frontman Jason Kerrison, The Twitch lead vocalist Fleur Jack, former Student radio breakfast hosts Wallace Chapman and Glenn 'Wammo' Williams, actress Danielle Cormack, Blindspott frontman Damian Alexander, The Bads' vocalist Dianne Swann, and former Mockers and Lig frontman (And Kiwi FM Music Director) Andrew Fagan - all under the guidance of network GM Karyn Hay.

Future

Kiwi FM aims to be key figure in furthering New Zealand's international music success. The network has attracted a local and international audience with its playlist. There are more than a dozen specialist shows, concentrating on genres that reach large audiences globally, but have found limited success at home.

Kiwi FM continues to utilise new digital media to archive and catalogue shows of importance to international audiences and has recently been seconded to produce NZ-specific shows for internationally syndicated radio show Passport Approved.

Kiwi FM has innovated in areas of programming too. There is a local night show, Worldwide, doubling as a breakfast format for New Zealand expats living in the UK. Partnerships between various New Zealand organisations such as KEA, NZEdge, NZ News UK, New Zealand Now and Made From New Zealand cater to New Zealand's global population.

Kiwi FM's weekly top 10 has led to more airplay for many New Zealand bands and musicians, and its focus on independent labels has allowed the network to enjoy the support of New Zealand's independent music scene.

Ratings

One year after launching Kiwi FM reported to have around 43,000 listeners across all markets [http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=39 ] in the April 2006 Research International Survey. Kiwi FM did not participate in the October 2006 survey and the April 2007 survey was cancelled. In the April 2008 survey Kiwi had 20,000 listeners and 0.1% of the market share. [http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1121&Itemid=39]

Other Kiwi FM

In 1988 in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty a local station called 898 FM was renamed to Kiwi FM broadcasting on 89.8 FM. The Kiwi FM station played Hit Music similar to Magic 91FM in Auckland and ZM. In 1993 Kiwi FM was rebranded as The Breeze but this station was completely separate to the current The Breeze station both in the Waikato and even the original The Breeze station in Wellington, a similar station was launched in Auckland replacing Magic 91FM. In 1997 this frequency was taken over by The Radio Network and used to launch ZM into the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

In Te Puke a local station called 92.9 KIWI operates, this station is independently owned and operated and has been on air longer than the Kiwi FM network stations.

Frequencies

* Auckland - 102.2FM
* Wellington - 102.1FM
* Christchurch 102.5FM
* Sky Digital Channel 500
* www.kiwifm.co.nz

External links

* [http://www.kiwifm.co.nz/ Kiwi FM Official Website]
* [http://www.mediaworks.co.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=98 RadioWorks Information Site About Kiwi FM]
* [http://www.sealion.co.nz/index.php Kiwi Sealion-Information Site About Kiwi Music]