NZME thanks radio listeners and advertisers

New Zealand Media and Entertainment’s (NZME) line-up of radio hosts have collectively thanked their listeners and advertisers for supporting their shows during the extraordinary year of 2020.

NZME networks Newstalk ZB and ZM have celebrated their highest audiences ever during the year. There’s more for NZME to celebrate in the latest GfK Commercial Radio audience survey released yesterday, including Flava growing it’s audience by nearly 53,000.

Already the number one station in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Newstalk ZB is now also the number one station in Dunedin.

Breakfast host Mike Hosking credits the news and talk network’s success to the trust New Zealanders place in content delivered on a platform they’re familiar with.

“Earlier this year I talked about why radio is king of the hill. The same applies today – it engages, it infuriates, it provides insight and laughter, it challenges, and it inquires – all of which has never been more important than during this most unusual of years,” says Hosking.

NZME’s leading music network ZM has maintained its top rating position with younger audiences. It is once again the prominent radio network with 25 to 44 and 25 to 54-year-olds right across New Zealand.

ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan and Megan, has the largest share of 25 to 54 year old breakfast listeners.

“On behalf of Vaughan, Megan and our production team I can’t thank our listeners enough. They are the life blood of our show. Without them not only tuning in – but calling, texting, emailing and being such a big part of our morning, we wouldn’t have a show,” sys ZM Breakfast co-host Carl “Fletch” Fletcher.

NZME made significant changes across much of its radio platform earlier this year refocussing efforts on its strategy to be New Zealand’s leading audio company. 

Changes included the launch of the Jono & Ben Breakfast on The Hits, the new breakfast show on Coast with Jase, Toni & Sam and the introduction of the new “Gold” network in July.

Another initiative was a music format change to the Flava network, introducing a new ‘Old School’ Hip Hop and RnB sound. The change is a big hit with audiences. In the latest survey Flava has delivered the biggest audience growth of any radio network across New Zealand – adding 52,900 listeners.

NZME’s Chief Radio and Commercial Officer Wendy Palmer says that she’s delighted with how NZME’s on-air teams are delivering for their listeners. 

“In this GfK survey NZME’s 25-54 year old audience share has grown in nine of the 13 radio markets that are individually released.  The Hits and Coast – our two networks with brand new breakfast shows this year have been an integral part of that growth,” she explains.

NZME CEO Michael Boggs adds that the challenges of 2020 have also presented opportunities for NZME’s news and entertainment platforms to create new loyal audiences.

“This year New Zealanders have turned our newspapers, radio networks and digital platforms in record numbers – our opportunity has been to keep those Kiwis coming back for the news and information that they trust and the entertainment that they love,” he says.

NZME’s radio line-up for 2021

Following yesterday’s results, NZME on Friday announced its radio line-up for 2021.

Journalist, presenter and media personality Hilary Barry will be joining The Hits radio network hosting the “The 3pm Pick-up” from February filling in for regular host Laura McGoldrick who’ll be on parental leave.

“Radio is where it all started for me with my first job as a reporter for Today FM in Wairarapa when Paul Henry signed me up. Then spending 10 years with Jeremy Corbett and Kim Adamson on More FM and a few more with Marcus Lush on RadioLIVE Breakfast – I’ve always really loved radio.

“To have the opportunity to fill-in on Laura’s show until she comes back with a new baby is a real treat and I’ve promised Laura I won’t break anything while she’s away,” say Barry of the announcement.

NZME has also announced Kiwi actor, comedian, musician, writer and host of TVNZ’s hit shows “Have You Been Paying Attention” and “The Great Kiwi Bake Off’, Hayley Sproull will be joining the ZM Breakfast Show with Fletch and Vaughan while regular co-host Megan Papas will also be on parental leave during next year.

“I’m absolutely stoked to be joining one of the biggest breakfast music radio shows in New Zealand. Fletch, Vaughan and Megan are hilarious. I’ve got to know Vaughan when we’ve been filming ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’ so working with him and Fletch while Megan’s off having her baby will be awesome,” says Sproull.

NZME has confirmed Sol3 Mio’s Moses Mackay, Pene Pati and Amitai Pati will host Flava’s breakfast show during 2021.

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