Palmerston North
Radio 2XS metallic pin (click to enlarge)
Radio 2XS was launched on 29 May 1981. The station operated from premises upstairs at 178 Broadway Avenue in Palmerston North, and broadcast on 828 AM from its transmitter at Longburn-Rongotea Road (on the outskirts of the city).
Music 2XS magazine advert (click to enlarge)
In October 1986, Music 2XS converted from 828 AM to 92.2 FM (call-sign 2XXS) and became known as 92.2XS FM.
92.2XS FM's high-powered transmitter (situated on Mt. Wharite at the southern end of the Ruahine Range) provided extensive coverage throughout the Manawatu, Rangitikei, Horowhenua, Wanganui, Wairarapa and southern Hawke's Bay regions.
92.2XS FM 'The Breakfast Club' autographs (click to enlarge)
On 1 November 1986, the 828 AM frequency was used to launch a second station, known as Bright 'n Easy 828.
Positioning statements used on-air by 2XS FM included "Red Hot XSFM", "92.2XS FM - The Region's Best Music", "92.2XS FM - Nobody Plays More Music", "Manawatu's Hottest Music - 92.2XS FM" and "The Manawatu's Best Music - 2XS FM".
See our YouTube page for TV commercials from 2XS FM
2XS FM newspaper advert circa 1991 (click to enlarge)
2XS FM 'win $500 cash' promotional card (click to enlarge)
In the late 1990s, 2XS FM moved to new premises in the Westside complex, on the corner of Rangitikei Street and The Square in Palmerston North.
On 15 January 2005 (after almost 24 years on-air), 2XS FM (which by then was owned by RadioWorks) was re-branded as 92.2 More FM.
2ZA (as it was originally known) was a part of the nationwide network of commercial stations operated by Radio New Zealand (formerly the NZBS/NZBC/BCNZ), and was launched in October 1938. The station was based at George Street in Palmerston North, and its transmitter was located at Gillespie's Line in Kairanga. 2ZA broadcast on 940 AM.
In late 1978, New Zealand altered its AM band frequency spacing from 10
In 1987, 2ZA relocated to new premises at 619 Main Street in Palmerston North.
In October 1991, 2ZA began simulcasting on 97.8 FM, in addition to the existing 927 AM frequency. The station eventually became known as AM-FM 2ZA.
AM-FM 2ZA magazine advert (click to enlarge)
On 25 September 1992, AM-FM 2ZA was divided into two separate stations. The 927 AM frequency continued to carry news, sports coverage and programmes of local interest (under the name The Manawatu's 2ZA), while 97.8 FM was used to launch The New 98FM.
The Manawatu's 98FM magazine advert (click to enlarge)
2ZA - The Talk Of The Manawatu magazine advert (click to enlarge)
The New 98FM eventually became known as The Manawatu's 98FM.
In late 1993, The Manawatu's 2ZA (on 927 AM) was replaced with the Auckland based Newstalk ZB network.
Meanwhile, 98FM adopted the familiar blue and red logo design and became a part of the newly established Classic Hits nationwide brand. However, 98FM was forced to adopt Greatest Hits as its moniker, as the rights to the Classic Hits name were already held by opposition station Classic Hits 828.
Classic Hits 828 relinquished the rights to the Classic Hits name in late 1994, which enabled Greatest Hits 98FM to rebrand itself as Classic Hits 97.8FM.
In 1997, Classic Hits 97.8FM became known as Classic Hits ZAFM. The 'ZA' was taken from the station's original call-sign '2ZA', that had been disused on-air since 1993.
Throughout the 2000s, the station used various names on-air, such as Classic Hits ZAFM, Classic Hits 97.8 ZAFM and Classic Hits 97.8.
Country FM was founded by John De Burgh, Rex Jones and Mark Kennard in 1992 (with the assistance of numerous volunteers), and initially broadcast on a low-powered FM guard band frequency.
After a successful application to RSM (Radio Spectrum Management), Country FM was granted the temporary use of the 93.0 FM frequency and the station was subsequently re-launched on 14 April 1993. At the time, 93 Country FM (as it became known) operated from premises on the first floor of the Regent Theatre Building on Broadway Avenue in Palmerston North. The station's antenna was initially located on the roof of the Regent Theatre building, but was later moved to Scotts Road (near Linton) to improve coverage.
Around 1994, the 93.0 FM frequency went up for tender, and was subsequently lost to another bidder. (It was later used to establish The Edge network in Manawatu). After some negotiation, a new frequency (91.4 FM) was purchased from XS Radio Limited. Country FM returned to the airwaves (as 91.4 Country FM) with a more professional sound, including a full-time independent radio news service, and syndicated radio shows such as 'America's Country Countdown'. The station also moved to new premises on the top floor of the United Travel Building on The Square in Palmerston North.
91.4 Country FM was extensively involved with local country music clubs and events. Highlights of the station's promotional activities included broadcasting from the country music festival at Kimbolton, visits from well-known country music legends like Slim Dusty and Brendan Dugan, and organizing concert tours to see artists such as Daniel O'Donnell, Ricky Scaggs and Garth Brooks perform live.
91.4 Country FM eventually outgrew its premises on The Square and relocated to 188 Broadway Avenue in Palmerston North.
In 1997, after some management issues and subsequent financial difficulties, 91.4 Country FM closed down, and its frequency was acquired by the Rhema Broadcasting Group.
On 1 November 1986, Bright 'n Easy 828 was launched on the former AM frequency of 2XS, which had converted to 92.2 FM a fortnight earlier. Bright 'n Easy 828's format was a blend of easy listening and classic hits, and was fully automated outside of breakfast.
By late 1988, the 'Bright 'n Easy' moniker had been dropped and the station was known on-air as 2XS, 828 2XS and Classic Hits 2XS.
In late 1989, the station was re-branded as Classic Hits 828.
In December 1993, Classic Hits 828 began broadcasting on 98.6 FM, in addition to the existing 828 AM frequency. The station subsequently became known as Classic Hits 828 & 98.6FM.
Classic Hits 828 & 98.6FM was re-named Magic 828 & 98.6FM in late 1994.
In 2004, Magic 828 & 98.6FM (which by then was owned by RadioWorks) was re-branded as The Breeze. Known on-air as Manawatu's Easy Listening Breeze, the station continued to provide locally generated programming.
In April 2005, the 828 AM frequency was used to launch the Radio Pacific-Trackside network in Manawatu. The Breeze continued to broadcast exclusively on 98.6 FM.
In May 2007, local programming outside of breakfast was replaced with a network feed from Auckland.
Coast was originally established as a one-off station in Hawke's Bay, in early 2002. In April 2004, Coast was launched in the Auckland market and subsequently developed into a network brand. The station (which targets the "baby boomer" generation) was progressively networked into other markets around New Zealand.
Coast 1548AM postcard (click to enlarge)
The Coast network broadcasts in Palmerston North on 1548 AM. The station was established in Manawatu in 2005.
Access Manawatu is a not-for-profit community based access radio station that offers a radio broadcast facility to community groups and individuals who otherwise have little or no access to the airwaves.
The Palmerston North based station was launched on 8 December 1997, as Manawatu Sounz AM 999, but later became known as Access Triple 9.
On 3 August 2007, Access Triple 9 was re-branded as Access Manawatu.
Access Manawatu relocated from its original premises (in the grounds of Queen Elizabeth College) to new facilities at 162 Broadway Avenue in December 2007, which coincided with the station's ten year anniversary celebrations.
National Radio and Concert FM (formerly the National Programme and the Concert Programme) are nationwide networks operated by Radio New Zealand.
National Radio (a mix of news, current affairs, documentaries, drama and music) broadcasts in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region on 1449 AM (call-sign 2YM) and 101.0 FM. Prior to 1978, 2YM operated on 1410 AM.
Concert FM (a mix of classical music and specialist programmes including jazz, contemporary and world music) broadcasts in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region on 89.0 FM (call-sign 2MCP).
In January 2007, National Radio became known as Radio New Zealand National, and Concert FM as Radio New Zealand Concert.
Niu FM is a nationwide Pacific Island radio network that was launched at 3pm on 31 August 2002. The station is based in Auckland and offers a blend of music, culture, topical news and information relevant to New Zealand's Pacific Island communities.
Niu FM broadcasts in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region on 103.4 FM. This relay was established in mid 2006.
Radio Hauraki
Radio Hauraki's Auckland based network programme was established in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region on 18 August 2008. The station broadcasts on 105.8 FM.
Radio L.A.C.
Radio L.A.C. was a short-term Christian radio station that was operated by Longburn Adventist College (at Walker Road, Longburn) on the outskirts of Palmerston North. The station was on-air for a period of one week (between 26 July and 1 August 1992), and broadcast on 95.4 FM.
Radio Massey (as it was originally known) was established in 1980, in an effort to keep students at Massey University up to date with information and events relating to the University's annual Capping Week.
As a result of the success of its initial broadcast, Radio Massey continued to be granted short-term broadcast warrants throughout the 1980s, to cover events such as student orientation week and capping ceremonies. Frequencies and call-signs used during this period included 1269 AM (2XM) in 1982 and 1983, 92.0 FM (2MMM) in 1984 and 1985, 93.0 FM (2MMM) in 1986 and early 1987, and 99.4 FM (2MMM) from March 1987 onwards.
Radio Massey's hours of broadcast were gradually extended to become a full-time operation.
For a time in the early to mid 1990s, Radio Massey was known as Radmas 99.4FM.
On 14 February 2001, Radio Massey was re-branded as Radio Control (also known as Control 99.4 FM).
Radio Pacific was established in 1979 and was initially only heard in the Auckland market. In the early 1990s, Radio Pacific (which broadcast a mixture of talk-back and racing coverage) was progressively networked throughout much of New Zealand.
Radio Pacific was launched in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region in September 1991. The station broadcast on 93.8 FM.
On 9 April 2005, Radio Pacific was re-branded as Radio Pacific-Trackside, a combination of magazine-style chat and talkback (under the name Radio Pacific), and racing coverage (under the name Radio Trackside). The station also began broadcasting on a second network of frequencies nationwide.
On 11 April 2005, most of Radio Pacific's original network of frequencies were used to launch a new talkback station called Radio Live. Meanwhile, Radio Pacific-Trackside continued to broadcast on its new set of frequencies..
In Manawatu, Radio Live replaced Radio Pacific on 93.8 FM. Meanwhile, Radio Pacific moved to 828 AM (which was formerly occupied by easy listening station The Breeze) and was re-launched as Radio Pacific-Trackside.
On 29 October 2007, Radio Pacific was re-branded as BSport. BSport operates between 6am and midday, Monday to Friday. Outside of these times, Radio Trackside continues to provide racing coverage.
Te Reo Irirangi O Rangitane is an iwi radio station that is operated by Tanenuiarangi Manawatu Incorporated. The station (which was originally known as Radio Rangitane) was established on 1 May 1992, and broadcasts throughout the Manawatu region on 89.8 FM.
Radio Rangitane later became known as Kia Ora FM.
Radio Rhema conducted a 28 day short-term broadcast in Palmerston North in December 1985, using the call-sign 2XQ. This short-term broadcast operated on 702 AM.
Radio Rhema commenced full-time transmission into the Manawatu region in 1990. The station originally broadcast on 97.8 FM, before switching to 96.3 FM in 1991. The 96.3 FM transmitter was located at North Range Road, near the summit of the Pahiatua Track (between Aokautere and Pahiatua).
In 1997, Radio Rhema acquired the 91.4 FM frequency from the sale of local country music station, 91.4 Country FM. This frequency was licensed to transmit from Mt. Wharite (which gave broader coverage than the existing Pahiatua Track site). In 1999, Radio Rhema switched from 96.3 FM to 91.4 FM. This made way for the Rhema Broadcasting Group's youth-oriented station Life FM to fill the 96.3 FM frequency.
Solid Gold FM was launched in the Auckland market on 13 October 1997. The station was progressively networked into other radio markets, initially only in the North Island. Expansion into the South Island began in 1999, with the station eventually being heard in over 25 cities and towns.
The Solid Gold FM network broadcasts in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region on 94.6 FM. This relay was established on 29 October 1998.
Part of the nationwide Radio Sport network, that broadcasts in Palmerston North on 1089 AM. This relay was established in November 1997.
Radio Sport evolved from Radio New Zealand's Sports Roundup network, which conducted seasonal broadcasts in the main centres during the 1980s and 1990s. The station originally shared air-time with parliamentary broadcasts on the YC network (1YC, 2YC, 3YC and 4YC). In the early 1990s, Sports Roundup's coverage was extended with the addition of several new frequencies in provincial areas such as Hawke's Bay and Waikato.
Sports Roundup was sold to The Radio Network in 1996, and re-launched as Radio Sport the following year. The station was progressively networked across much of New Zealand and eventually became a year-round operation.
The Edge was launched as a one-off station in the Waikato market in 1994. From 1998 onwards, The Edge was progressively networked into other radio markets, with the station eventually being heard in over twenty cities and towns.
The Edge network broadcasts in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region on 93.0 FM. This relay was established in late 1999.
The Rock was established as a one-off station in the Waikato market in December 1991. From 1997 onwards, The Rock was progressively networked into other radio markets, with the station eventually being heard in over twenty cities and towns.
The Rock network broadcasts in Palmerston North and the Manawatu region on 95.4 FM.
Vision 100 was established in 1998, and initially broadcast exclusively as an internet based radio station. Vision 100 is based in Palmerston North and its format comprises of 100% New Zealand music.
On 1 April 2003, Vision 100 began operating on 100.0 FM from a low-powered transmitter in central Palmerston North, in addition to the existing internet audio stream.
On 29 September 2006, the service on 100.0 FM was discontinued. However, Vision 100 continues to operate as an internet based radio station.
Manawatu Stereo Hitradio ZMFM (call-sign 2MZM) was launched 9 March 1987, and broadcast on 90.6 FM. Aside from a local breakfast programme between 6am and 10am, the station was essentially a direct relay of ZMFM Wellington (with locally generated commercial breaks and weather forecasts).
90.6 ZMFM was briefly housed alongside sister station 2ZA in George Street, until both stations relocated to 619 Main Street in Palmerston North.
90.6 ZMFM announcer autographs (click to enlarge)
In August 1989, the relay of ZMFM Wellington was discontinued and the station was re-launched as The All New 90.6 2QQ. Unlike ZMFM, 2QQ's programming was entirely Manawatu based. However, the station was fully automated outside of breakfast.
See our YouTube page for TV commercials from 2QQ
2QQ FM magazine advert (click to enlarge)
Gradually, 90.6FM 2QQ (as it became known) increased its live programming and the station was only automated overnight and at weekends. The station's format also shifted from '1970s and 1980s classics' to more of a 'contemporary hit radio' sound.
On 19 February 1993, 2QQ was re-branded as Classic Rock Q91FM, and subsequently its contemporary hit radio format was dropped in favour of classic rock.
Classic Rock Q91FM magazine advert (click to enlarge)
Classic Rock Q91FM 'Craig & Nicky' promotional flyer (click to enlarge)
In 1997, the ZM brand returned to Palmerston North when Classic Rock Q91FM was replaced with 91ZM. The station's programming initially mirrored Wellington's 91ZM, but was later replaced with the ZM network feed from Auckland.
The station is now known on-air as 90.6ZM.
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This page was last updated on 25 April 2009
