Board split on radio station choice

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 390, 11 June 1991, Page 3

Board split on radio station choice

Choosing which radio station proposal to back had the Waimarino Community Board split down the middle at their meeting last Thursday.

Following a preservation last month from Paramount Broadcasting, a new Wanganui radio station operator, the board heard a proposal from River City Radio . River City Radio sent their manager Dave Hill, saies manager Alan Waites, programme director/breakfast announcer Dean Buchanan and breakfast sports host Larry Graham to present their case to the board, who were asked

to make their preference known to New Zealand On Air, the national broadcasting organisation that has offered to pay for a transmitter for the Waimarino. The River City Radio representatives said they had been lobbying for 10 years to have a transmitter installed here so they could broadcast into the area. They offered: "access to a much larger market (than Paramount's 'Star FM'); a professional

team; tried and proven award winners; hourly local weather forecasts; community notices, trade-line, birthday calls etc; low radio advertising rates; access to the Radio New Zealand Tonight Show; a local liaison person; a twiceyearly (at least) broadcast from the Waimarino and extended local coverage in the ski season; proven civil defence response; local news coverage. Among other things Paramount had offered a daily breakfast broadcast, from 6am to nine or 10am. (see previous Bulletin for more details).

At the start of the discussion on the matter, board member John Compton said they should defer a decision on which they would prefer until board members had time to consult with the people they represent. Other members felt NZ On Air was likely to make a decision without waiting for their recommendation, so his motion was not supported. However upon discussing the two options it became clear that the board was split 50-50 over which proposal to support. Cr Doug Bennett said River City Radio had a proven track record and

they had everything going for them Cr Bill Peach said Star FM would be his choice because they would provide a better local service, broadcasting from here. "I listen to River City , Radio now - why haven't we been getting all the ! coverage they are ! promising now," said Cr I Peach. "I think we'd just \ be the pimple on the J bum, of their broadcast | area according to their J map." "Why are we suddenly ; being recognised now," 1 said board member Bruce Thompson. Cr Bennett said it was ! probably because of the

reception problems for RCR that they don't spend time providing Waimarino coverage at the moment. With the vote split the matter was left to lie

on the table. "If NZ On Air make a decision in the meantime I suppose it will please half of us anyway," said Mr Thompson .