[Swprograms] National Radio, New Zealand

[SaulBro@xxxxxxx]

I don't know offhand to what extent NR programming parallels Radio NZ 
International's, but thought the following, posted on the New Zealand folk (music) 
list, may be of interest.
Saul Broudy (USA)
--------------------------
Programming Changes Announced For National Radio
   Tuesday, 24 May 2005, 2:00 pm
      Press Release: Radio New Zealand Limited  

Programming Changes Announced For National Radio:

Radio New Zealand Chief Executive, Peter Cavanagh, has announced 
changes to National Radio programming and on air presentation to 
be implemented later this year. The announcements follow a six month 
internal programming review involving all Radio New Zealand staff.

Commenting on the programme changes, Peter Cavanagh noted the 
importance of the Radio New Zealand Charter in the long term 
planning for the network. 

â The review of National Radio programming and presentation has 
provided a valuable opportunity to examine whether, as a public 
service broadcaster, the network could further improve on its 
Charter objective to be relevant to the society it serves. In a 
society that is rapidly changing, Radio New Zealand needs to 
reaffirm its position as a dynamic, relevant and contemporary 
public service broadcaster, and these changes will help us to do so.â 

âThe Research International All New Zealand Radio Survey 2004 
showed that National Radio was New Zealandâs number one radio 
station in terms of nationwide audience market share among 
people aged 15 years and over, but there is no room for 
complacency and I want to reinforce the fact that our focus 
in this six month process has been to further improve the 
sound of National Radio for existing and potential new audiences.â 

Key points from the programming review include an overhaul of the 
National Radio music policy, new programming, and the creation of a 
new Radio New Zealand website to provide up to date information and 
audio on demand facilities to enhance what listeners can hear on air. 

* Birdcalls:

The famous Radio New Zealand birdcalls have been retained and 
will be expanded and integrated in a new project which will 
build a sound library of field recordings reflecting the social, 
environmental and cultural diversity of New Zealand.

* Weekday Mornings:

There are no major changes planned for National Radioâs premier 
news and current affairs programmes Morning Report and Nine to 
Noon with Linda Clark though some minor adjustments will be made 
to content and presentation within existing formats. 


Weekday and weekend afternoons will see the biggest changes:

* Weekday Afternoons:

The format for weekday afternoon programming will change with 
a new weekday afternoon programme which builds on the regional 
focus of the existing In Touch with New Zealand programme. The 
magazine and lifestyle format will be retained and, contrary 
to recent media speculation, it will not become a talk-driven 
news programme. 

The programme will be presented from Radio New Zealandâs new 
Auckland studios. Wayne Mowat continues to play an important 
role as the anchor of âIn Touch With New Zealandâ which will 
focus on special outside broadcasts from throughout the country 
and which will feed into the new regional afternoon programme. 

Wayne's Music moves from weekday afternoons but continues as a 
valuable part of the nostalgia listening theme of Saturday and 
Sunday evenings.

National Radioâs top rating evening news programme Checkpoint 
will be extended from one hour to two. 

* Saturday Afternoons:

Home Grown is retained as the title for a new expanded music 
programme, which will showcase New Zealand contemporary music 
over three hours each Saturday afternoon. National Radio is 
not reducing its long-established commitment to the promotion 
of New Zealand music.

* Sunday Afternoons:

In place of the present weekday afternoons programme âWhatâs Going 
On?â, a new 3 and a half hour books, arts and movies programme will 
be developed for Sunday afternoon with dedicated host Lynn Freeman. 

* Timetable for Change:

Emphasising that changes were about growth, Peter Cavanagh 
said no staff positions will be lost and new positions will be 
established. New ideas and programming reflect the needs and 
interests of diverse National Radio audiences. 

Several new jobs have been created at National Radio and these 
will be advertised with the intention of having production and 
presentation teams in place by early August to develop and 
pilot the new programmes. 

A revised National Radio programme schedule will be launched 
on Saturday 17th September.

- ENDS 
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