Press Release
Embargoed for release until 6pm - Tuesday 10 June 2008
National Pacific Radio Trust (NPRT) announces restructure:
NPRT to restructure its operations as it moves to consolidate its business.
The Board of the National Pacific Radio Trust, which runs NiuFM, Radio 531pi and the Pacific Radio News service,
today announced a new shape for managing its operations at the Pacific Media Network.
This follows the Board’s decision to streamline its business so it could operate in a financially sustainable position.
It is also a move to consolidate Pan Pacific broadcasting as part of an ongoing process of change, according to Board
Chairman, Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira.
Mr Pereira says the restructuring will not affect NPRT services to the communities and their
wider audience but he says “these changes will streamline our senior management structure in moves to
gain more efficiency and to allow NPRT to focus on the benefits of the merger”.
The National Pacific Radio Trust merged its NiuFM Network services with the Auckland based AM service Radio 531pi in
November 2006
following months of discussions between the National Pacific Radio Trust Board, the Radio 531pi Ltd Board and its owner
and owner
of the 531PI frequency licence – the Auckland Pacific Island Community Radio Trust. The merger was launched by a New
Zealand first – a dual cast
on the NiuFM Network and Radio 531pi as noted by the Right Hon. Helen Clark in her speech to launch the new services.
Since that time the National Pacific Radio Trust has been integrating the services, utilising the expertise and
experience of both services to
improve broadcast services for Pacific communities in particular.
“The Board presently provides a number of broadcast services – NiuFM Auckland, NiuFM Network (covering all of New
Zealand),
Radio 531pi for Auckland listeners with a greater emphasis and opportunity to develop Pacific languages services, the
Pacific Radio News Service
and the Pacific Media Network umbrella brand. The restructure has been arrived at after careful thought and
consideration based on our experience
of the merged environment as well as recognising the realities of having to operate in a commercial environment while
still
pursuing our social objectives.” says Chief Executive Sina Moore.
Ends”