TRN Launch New Auckland Focused Radio Station ‘Mix98.2’

TRN Launch New Auckland Focused Radio Station ‘Mix98.2’

Auckland, 22 June 2014 – The Radio Network (TRN) launched today the creation of a brand new ‘Auckland only’ radio station ‘Mix98.2’ on 98.2FM. The station will leverage the content rich APN Group to keep Aucklanders informed and entertained.

“We have identified a market opportunity in Auckland for a music station that specifically targets 40-54 year olds. Mix98.2 has been created based on these consumer and commercial insights” says Dean Buchanan, Chief Content Officer, TRN.

Mix98.2 will combine the very best music from the 80's and 90's together with fashion, style, food, dining out, wellness, entertainment and all things Auckland.

CEO New Zealand Media, APN Jane Hastings says this is not just about a new radio station. The content will be generated via collaboration of a new team between TRN and the APN talent who lead VIVA, Bite and Canvas to name a few, this will extend to advertising opportunities.

“With APNs recent acquisition of 100% ownership of TRN, the new leadership team has been looking at effective ways to leverage the content rich business to grow audiences for advertisers wanting to reach savvy women with control of the household purse strings. An Auckland-only station shows our commitment to the largest city in New Zealand.”

Editor of Viva, Amanda Linnell says it’s an exciting next step.

“This APN Group collaboration is all about growing brands that engage with motivated readers in stimulating and dynamic ways. Viva readers are sophisticated and informed. Our highly trusted and targeted content can now be experienced through our weekly print magazine, daily via www.viva.co.nz our award-winning iPad app and now on radio with Mix89.2. The radio platform allows us to take our lifestyle content – the best of fashion, design, eating out, and culture – to another exciting level as we expand stories and engage with those people who love to live life well.”

Accomplished radio talent Melanie Homer will host the radio show weekdays from 8am-12pm. Buchanan says she will be the only presenter on Mix98.2 (8am-12pm) with music the star for the rest of the day including the drive home.

“We are thrilled to have Mel host Mix98.2. With her extensive radio career and experience we know Mel will easily connect and engage with the lifestyles and attitudes of the target audience. There are enough talk-intensive Breakfast and Drive shows in Auckland and we have intentionally chosen to focus on more music at this time of the day to differentiate.”

Homer says she is excited to be part of a brand new music station that’s offering is very different approach.

“I love that this station will be all about Auckland – where to go, what to do, what’s new, what’s interesting, what’s great to cook and a whole lot more. If I wasn’t working on it, I’d be listening to it! I might be a busy mum with three boys but I still want a life! I want to know what’s new in the world but I often don’t have time to search for it myself. I know there are other women out there searching for the same things. It’s exciting to think Mix 98.2 is going to bring it all together with awesome music from my eras of the 80s and 90s.”

Radio Sport in Auckland currently broadcasts on 98.2FM and will revert to 1332AM on midnight Sunday 22 June. Radio Sport will also be available on iHeartRadio.co.nz.

“We recognise the strength of the Auckland Radio Sport audience via iHeartRadio and we will introduce a new Radio Sport stream called ‘Radio Sport Omnibus’. In addition, ‘Radio Sport Extras’ will be added to Newstalk ZB,” says Buchanan. “We know that those who love sport will find the frequency and are highly engaged online streaming users. This change makes sure no one is missing out.”

Buchanan is confident that between Mix98.2, The Hits and ZM, that TRN has a comprehensive portfolio of brands dedicated to the critical 25-54 audience. Mix98.2 will also be available on iHeartRadio and have a strong online presence at www.mix982.co.nz

About the Radio Network (TRN)
TRN is New Zealand’s market leader for radio advertising solutions delivered across strong radio and online brands. They operate the number one national network, Newstalk ZB and have three of the top five national networks – Newstalk ZB, The Hits and Coast. Other networks are ZM, Hauraki, Flava and Radio Sport, in total they operates more than 130 stations in New Zealand. TRN also has an all-in-one digital radio service iHeartRadio, which continues to be the number one, all-in-one digital service in the United States. TRN is 100% owned by APN News and Media. www.radionetwork.co.nz

ENDS

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