| Broadcast area | Christchurch, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 105.7 FM |
| First air date | 1999 |
| Format | Dance music & electronic music |
| Owner | Independent |
Pulzar FM was an independent radio station based in Christchurch, New Zealand. It broadcast on 105.7FM, and was targeted at a youth demographic with a slight female bias, focusing on playing a wide range of the many different genres of dance & electronic music. At 5pm on the 7th of December, 2011, the station played a final song on air, and then switched off its transmitter, after being forced to close due to financial problems.
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Pulzar FM was founded by entrepreneurs Andrew Poulsen and Jason Akehurst in October 1999.[1]
It broadcast as a Low Power FM station on several frequencies in Christchurch but most notably 88.7FM from its foundation in 1999 until November 2007 when the station went into hiatus. During the latter years of broadcast the station broadcast shows by international acts such as Matt Darey, Agnelli & Nelson, and Solarstone.[2]
During 2008 the station founders won and purchased a full power FM frequency in Christchurch[3] and the station resumed broadcast on 105.7FM on the 18th April, 2009. The station's current format is far more pop-oriented than in earlier years.
At 5pm on Wednesday, the 7th of December 2011, Pulzar went off the air for the last time due to financial difficulties and the ongoing cost of running. This was played in part by the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The final song was Me not a Gansta by Bob Sinclair ft. Mr Shammi. The owners of the station have stated that new project is underway, called PulzarNet, but the contents are under wraps for the moment.
The Pulzar FM breakfast show, 'The Morning Grind', was hosted by station co-owner Andy 'Pulzar' Poulsen from relaunch on 105.7FM on the 18th April, 2009 until local breakfast radio duo, Josh Armstrong and Gordon Findlater, took the slot in June 2009. The pair introduced a number of unique features for the show including their 'Bad Parenting Update', 'Cafe Giveaway' and 'Pulzar Doctors' segments.
The show joined with the national Family Planning organization for a segment that was named 'Sperm Fest'.[1] Josh, Gordon, Andy and afternoon drive host Lyndon Hunter had tests to figure out who had the highest sperm count. The segment helped to promote sexual health among Christchurch youth. The Morning Grind is currently hosted by previous co-host Gordon Findlater and Will Appelbe.[2]