Media Release – 16 May
Newstalk ZB confirms final details of its refreshed line-up for 2019.
In what is one of New Zealand’s most hotly anticipated returns, Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford will launch their
brand-new Afternoon talk show on Monday 1st July.
New Zealand Media and Entertainment’s (NZME) Head of Talk, Jason Winstanley says it is fantastic to announce the final
stages of the station’s succession plan.
“Newstalk ZB is already home to the best in the business. And now we’ve capped off our weekday line-up with the addition
of these exceptional broadcasters. We are excited to see what Simon and Phil bring to the party.”
After launching the show on Monday 1st July, Simon and Phil will broadcast Tuesday to Friday, with Andrew Dickens
hosting on Monday afternoons.
Dickens has done an exceptional job growing the station’s afternoon audience over the last 18 months.
Today’s announcement caps off a busy 18 months for New Zealand’s number one talk station.
The evolution began with the introduction of The Devlin Radio Show and The Weekend Collective with Tim Wilson and Tim
Roxborogh on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
This was followed by the launch of Kerre McIvor Mornings and Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive following the departure of
ZB legends, Leighton Smith and Larry Williams.
The Mike Hosking Breakfast show was also extended to 9am.
Winstanley says it’s been a privilege to reinforce the legacy network.
“Newstalk ZB is attracting more listeners than ever, it’s such a big part of many New Zealanders’ lives, this continuing
evolution of ‘ZB’ is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. We’ve carefully ensured a strong structure and
line-up is in place to meet the needs of our loyal audience and to attract new listeners in the years to come.”
ENDS