Kiwi FM

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Kiwi FM is a New Zealand Radio Network playing 100% New Zealand music both nationally and to the world via its 24/7 live stream. The network was designed specifically to showcase the best New Zealand music across the broadest range of genres, enabling greater access to an international market for local, contemporary artists. The station broadcasts in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on FM frequencies, nationwide on SkyTV Channel 500, and globally through its internet stream. Kiwi FM is operated by Kiwi Radio Ltd, a non-profit subsidiary of Mediaworks NZ

1 Launch
2 Future
3 Frequencies
4 External links

[edit] Launch

Kiwi FM was launched 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 network was designed and implemented in less than three months, launching on July 17, 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.

[edit] Future

Leading into 2007, Kiwi FM (in less than six months) has proved to be a key figure in furthering New Zealand's international music success. The network has attracted a growing local and international audience with a fresh and widely researched playlist and more than a dozen specialist shows, each concentrating on genres that reach audiences of millions globally, yet have found limited success at home.

Kiwi FM continues to utilise cutting edge digital media to archive and catalogue shows of importance to international audiences and has recently been seconded to produce NZ-specific shows for internationally syndicated radio show Passport Approved.

Kiwi FM has innovated in areas of programming too. Especially with a local night show, Worldwide, doubling as a breakfast format for New Zealand expats living in the UK. Partnerships between various New Zealand organisations such as KEA, NZEdge, NZ News UK, New Zealand Now and Made From New Zealand are cementing the network at the heart of New Zealand's global population.

Kiwi FM's weekly top 10 has led to more airplay than ever before for dozens of New Zealand bands and musicians, and its focus on independent labels has a allowed the network to enjoy the support of New Zealand's burgeoning independent music scene.

Listenership is predicted by many to double or treble over the next twelve months.