Kiwi FM - History

History

The station Kiwi FM was launched on Waitangi Day, 6 February 2005 and was opened with a speech by then-Prime Minister Helen Clark. It was created to replace alternative station Channel Z which had failed to deliver on its ratings.

The initial station ran for around a year and was rebranded in July 2006 when legendary New Zealand music journalist Karyn Hay stepped in as General Manager with Andrew Fagan as music director. On 1 May 2006, the New Zealand Government granted Kiwi FM access to new FM frequencies, under an agreement that kept the 100 percent Kiwi music station on the airwaves. Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said the station had been granted the use of three FM frequencies for an initial period of one year, during which time it would work towards becoming a not-for-profit organisation. As part of the agreement to use the frequencies, the station's brief was to be to significantly expand its content to include a greater range of New Zealand Music.

Kiwi FM was relaunched under one of the most innovative broadcasting models in New Zealand history - ostensibly a partnership between Government Ministries of Broadcasting and Economic Development, and listed media company Canwest Mediaworks. The new network was designed and implemented in less than three months, launching on 17 July 2006 with a number of respected staff members - including Opshop frontman Jason Kerrison, The Twitch lead vocalist Fleur Jack, former Student radio breakfast hosts Wallace Chapman and Glenn 'Wammo' Williams, actress Danielle Cormack, Blindspott frontman Damian Alexander, The Bads' vocalist Dianne Swann, and former Mockers and Lig frontman (And Kiwi FM Music Director) Andrew Fagan - all under the guidance of network GM Karyn Hay.

In February 2012 Kiwi FM changed their playlist to play 40% international artists while still playing 60% New Zealand artists. The international artists include alternative artists that don't normally get airplay on commercial radio, similar to the New Zealand music already played.

As of August 2012 the station is run by four people, Sam Collins as operations manager, Nathan Muller & Libby Dallison as the breakfast hosts and Ben Hope as I.A.N (indie.alternative.new) host.

Current programming consists of both local and international music played during midnight and 4pm, with specialist shows such as the Flagship 'IAN' show from 5-7pm all playing 100% local independent music. Weekends consist of both local and international music also, with repeats of NZ only shows on Sunday evening, and 'best of' shows on Saturdays.