History
Derek Archer ran Crescendo studio in Wellington at 99 Kent Terrace above the "Car Stereo Company". In early 1990, he began Fun and Music 99FM.
Derek Archer ran the station with business partners and support from local business. The station aimed for minimal advertising on air.
The station was taken off the air in July 1990 due to the NZ Radio Frequency Tender and lost its frequency to More FM Wellington. Derek continued to broadcast from this frequency becoming known as Pirate FM "Farc em all" where FARC referred to "False Acquisition of Radio Control". In April 1991, it ceased broadcasting. The 98.9 FM frequency was used to launch 99-100 More FM the following month.
In 1993 Pirate FM was restarted in the flat at Archer's place in Roseneath on 96.3FM. One night, an arson attempt effectively destroyed the station.
In September 1998, Derek Archer died from a heart attack at age 45, after collapsing at a furious debate between the candidates for the Wellington Mayoralty election. Pirate FM died with him.
The frequency was acquired in December 1998 by Radio Pacific/RadioWorks Group for $600,000 and used to launch the The Rock FM in February 1999.
Read more about this topic: Pirate FM (Wellington)
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