Radio New Zealand Boosts Programming
Radio New Zealand is to boost programming on National Radio and Concert FM in changes which come into effect from the
end of September. Several new programmes will be introduced along with time or schedule changes for some regular
features.
Announcing the new programme schedules, Radio New Zealand’s Chief Executive and Editor in Chief, Sharon Crosbie, said
the changes reflect an ongoing process of evaluation which ensures broadcast services satisfy audience needs and meet
the company’s Charter obligations.
“ The New Zealand radio market focusses its attention on morning programming and Radio New Zealand performs very well in
that area, however, the New Zealand public expects us to provide a range of programmes for varied interests throughout
the day. Our programme changes are designed to add extra sparkle to weekday afternoons and enhanced listening for those
who seek an alternative to an evening in front of the television. “
Schedule changes will see the introduction of five new programmes for National Radio listeners and four for Concert FM.
National Radio New Programmes
Windows on the World will sample a seasonal diet of the very best feature and documentary programmes from public radio
organisations around the world. The programme plays at 7 pm week nights.
Outspoken will be a dynamic addition to the range of live issues-based talk programmes. Broadcast on Tuesday evenings,
it will encourage in depth analysis of major issues using special guests or a panel of experts.
Great Encounters will give listeners on Friday evenings a second chance to hear the very best of interviews broadcast
every day on National Radio.
Maori programming also gets a boost with new weekly programmes, Waiata and Nga Taonga Korero featuring on Thursday
nights. Nga Taonga Korero uses audio from the Radio New Zealand archives to explore the country’s rich Maori heritage,
and Waiata showcases a broad range of material from Maori music and musicians. On Sunday evenings two new programmes
under the overall title of Mana Korero will focus on Maori current affairs.
Changes to weekday afternoons will see Wayne’s Music move to 1.00 pm replacing Cadenza which moves to Concert FM, and
arts and entertainment programme What’s Going On? moves to the earlier 4.30 pm slot leading up to Checkpoint at 5.00 pm.
Concert FM New Programmes
CD Masters will mine the Concert FM catalogue of celebrated recordings of mainstream classics every weekday afternoon at
3.00 pm.
Made In New Zealand, is a new daily programme of New Zealand sounds and voices drawn from some of the country’s finest
music-makers including unique recordings from Concert FM’s own archives. The programme plays at 4.00 pm weekdays and
6.00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Sanctuary, a weekly two-hour celebration of music for the soul and the spirit will broadcast on Sundays at 6.00 am.
Grace Notes, on Sunday mornings at 8.00 am is designed to complement the traditional Sunday morning lie-in encouraging a
soft and gentle start to the day.
Cadenza with Peter Fry will move from National Radio and be heard solely on Concert FM, at 5.00 pm weekday afternoons.
Radio New Zealand Networks Manager, John Howson, Group Manager Spoken Features, Paul Bushnell, and Group Manager Music,
Miles Rogers have been responsible for implementing the changes and believe new programmes will benefit audiences across
both networks.
“ New programmes and schedules for the networks have been under discussion for some time., says John Howson, “we
believed there were some things we could improve on and our latest audience research information has confirmed that
thinking. “