aussieseek.com
11-02-2005, 01:04 PM
First all-NZ music station launches
07.02.05
by Juliet Rowan
New Zealand musicians past and present gathered in Auckland last night
for the launch of Kiwi, the country's first radio station to play 100
per cent local music.
The mood was one of jubilation as old timers such as Jordan Luck of
Exponents fame and former Mockers frontman Andrew Fagan joined fresher
faces Deja Voodoo, Goldenhorse, goodshirt, Tadpole, Shihad and others
at the launch at Mt Eden Bowling Club.
Prime Minister Helen Clark declared the station live at 7pm amid loud
cheers from a crowd fuelled on good old-fashioned handles of beer.
She said it was appropriate the launch was held on Waitangi Day, which
"should be about celebrating being a Kiwi".
The fact that radio stations already played 18.5 per cent New Zealand
music - close to the voluntary 20 per cent quota - showed the quality
of local bands, but dedicating a radio station to 100 per cent local
music was "really leading-edge".
"It could well be a world first," she said.
Kiwi is owned by CanWest MediaWorks, which owns television channels TV3
and C4, and radio stations The Edge, The Rock, More FM, Solid Gold and
Radio Pacific.
Chief executive Brent Impey said the new station was in tune with
Government policy that required broadcasting programming to have a
local focus and be diverse. "That's what Kiwi is all about," he said.
Rodney Fisher of goodshirt said the diversity of New Zealand bands
often meant they failed to secure airtime on other stations.
"A lot of radio stations are specific to certain types of music or
certain production styles."
He said Kiwi would give these bands more exposure. "They'll be able
to break into the public and other radio stations will be able to pick
them up."
Jordan Luck said radio stations had always played local music.
"But what's magic about this Aotearoa beast is that it's 100 per
cent Kiwi."
Karyn Hay, former host of 1980s music video show Radio With Pictures,
presents the breakfast show from 6am to 9am. She said 20 years ago no
one could imagine a commercially viable radio station playing only New
Zealand music.
A guest presenter will join Hay on her show each week, starting with
her long-time partner Andrew Fagan in the first week and actor Temuera
Morrison in the second week.
Tadpole singer Renee Brennan and Juice TV presenter Bruce Earwaker host
the afternoon show from 3pm to 7pm.
Other hosts include Opshop singer Jason Kerrison, Shihad singer Jon
Toogood and actress Danielle Cormack, who is likely to develop a roots
music show.
Programme director Grant Hislop said he felt pressure to get the
station's music mix right but had no shortage of songs to choose
from.
"We are dedicated to showcasing the best of New Zealand music and will
not shy away from breaking new acts and celebrating what is
quintessentially ours as a country," he said.
Kiwi broadcasts on the former Channel Z frequencies, 93.8FM Auckland,
91.7 FM Wellington and 99.3 FM Christchurch.
Sky Digital subscribers can tune in on Sky channel 100.
Online streams for New Zealand listeners are available at
www.kiwifm.co.nz, with plans to extend this worldwide.
07.02.05
by Juliet Rowan
New Zealand musicians past and present gathered in Auckland last night
for the launch of Kiwi, the country's first radio station to play 100
per cent local music.
The mood was one of jubilation as old timers such as Jordan Luck of
Exponents fame and former Mockers frontman Andrew Fagan joined fresher
faces Deja Voodoo, Goldenhorse, goodshirt, Tadpole, Shihad and others
at the launch at Mt Eden Bowling Club.
Prime Minister Helen Clark declared the station live at 7pm amid loud
cheers from a crowd fuelled on good old-fashioned handles of beer.
She said it was appropriate the launch was held on Waitangi Day, which
"should be about celebrating being a Kiwi".
The fact that radio stations already played 18.5 per cent New Zealand
music - close to the voluntary 20 per cent quota - showed the quality
of local bands, but dedicating a radio station to 100 per cent local
music was "really leading-edge".
"It could well be a world first," she said.
Kiwi is owned by CanWest MediaWorks, which owns television channels TV3
and C4, and radio stations The Edge, The Rock, More FM, Solid Gold and
Radio Pacific.
Chief executive Brent Impey said the new station was in tune with
Government policy that required broadcasting programming to have a
local focus and be diverse. "That's what Kiwi is all about," he said.
Rodney Fisher of goodshirt said the diversity of New Zealand bands
often meant they failed to secure airtime on other stations.
"A lot of radio stations are specific to certain types of music or
certain production styles."
He said Kiwi would give these bands more exposure. "They'll be able
to break into the public and other radio stations will be able to pick
them up."
Jordan Luck said radio stations had always played local music.
"But what's magic about this Aotearoa beast is that it's 100 per
cent Kiwi."
Karyn Hay, former host of 1980s music video show Radio With Pictures,
presents the breakfast show from 6am to 9am. She said 20 years ago no
one could imagine a commercially viable radio station playing only New
Zealand music.
A guest presenter will join Hay on her show each week, starting with
her long-time partner Andrew Fagan in the first week and actor Temuera
Morrison in the second week.
Tadpole singer Renee Brennan and Juice TV presenter Bruce Earwaker host
the afternoon show from 3pm to 7pm.
Other hosts include Opshop singer Jason Kerrison, Shihad singer Jon
Toogood and actress Danielle Cormack, who is likely to develop a roots
music show.
Programme director Grant Hislop said he felt pressure to get the
station's music mix right but had no shortage of songs to choose
from.
"We are dedicated to showcasing the best of New Zealand music and will
not shy away from breaking new acts and celebrating what is
quintessentially ours as a country," he said.
Kiwi broadcasts on the former Channel Z frequencies, 93.8FM Auckland,
91.7 FM Wellington and 99.3 FM Christchurch.
Sky Digital subscribers can tune in on Sky channel 100.
Online streams for New Zealand listeners are available at
www.kiwifm.co.nz, with plans to extend this worldwide.