More talks before radio choice

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 392, 25 June 1991, Page 1

More talks before radio choice

New Zealand On Air is not going to rush into choosing a radio station to provide the Waimarino's community coverage. That was the message from NZ On Air representative Brendon Smyth when the Bulletin enquired about the choice between River City Radio and Star FM last week. Mr Smyth said there were four factors that his organisation would take into account before choosing a radio station to link with the transmitter that they are planning to subsidise. NZ On Air is responsible for allocating funds gathered by the broadcasting fee, and

they are presently looking at subsidising community coverage for areas of 1000 people or more that do not already have a strong community radio signal. Mr Smyth said where there are two contenders to take on the transmitter they would be taking into account: • Is there a cost advantage to NZ On Air. • Is the programme content and range suitable for the new audience. • Do the demographics of the radio station match the new audience area. • What is the choice of local people. Mr Smyth said he would be approaching the Waimarino Community Board for advice on how to gauge what the Waimarino public

wanted. There were several options open to him in finding out the people's choice, he said. There would be difficulties in assessing the four factors, said Mr Smyth. Star FM was not yet on air, so would be difficult to judge in terms of programme range and content and listener demographics, and listener preference. Also, there may be a third contender, said Mr Smyth, though he said he did not yet know who the third station was. He said while they hope to solve the problem by Christmas they would not be making a decision without consulting the community in some way.