It’s not quite as simple as “hoarding frequencies”, in the NZ case. They were either leased by auction or acquired through buy-outs of their competitiors. The little guys didn’t/don’t have to sell to the bigger guys, and there have been a couple of notable hold-outs.
In an ideal world (at least in my mind), a few frequencies should have a covenant for local radio services. They provide the best reaction/updates to natural disasters. Put a limit of 100km on their reach (or less). If there’s a covenant, even if a big fish buys it, they still have to keep it local. Best of both worlds.
I think the current NZ radio market would be the envy of many overseas operators. Duopoly with various formats to cover the demographics, multiple full power frequencies in every market, networking most stations from one central headquarters and voice tracking when they want to.
And from a listener point of view, as a kiwi living in Australia, would rather have the various different formats the NZ duopoly provides than the sometimes overlapping few the Australian commercials have
I miss the Kiwi radio landscape now I have moved back to Australia.
I say open it up and see what happens, if they manage to have that many stations in a market why can’t ACMA manage it here, RSM seems to manage to coordinate all the frequencies over there and they are a much smaller country then Australia.
It’s for the same reason why Australia only has three commercial TV companies (per market) - it’s a state-sanctioned cartel. Protectionism is rife in Australia… it’s not different to the (former) car manufacturing industry.
Southern Cross Country Radio made its debut at 6am this morning (30 October) with Mike Puru hosting its very first programme.
And plus, the Auckland-based Franklin Media Limited (which owns and operates Southern Cross Country Radio) has changed its name to Southern Cross Media Limited.
It was also trialled 10-15 years ago, in Auckland and Wellington, and wasn’t seen to have any benefit.
They used to, but that went the way of the dodo. And no, private equity firms do nothing for our economy, they’re big-arsed siphons that bleed us (and the people who work for them) dry. The media industry isn’t the only area to suffer from this.
Buy local, get to know your neighbours, better living everybody
New look, on-air imaging and positioning for GOLD coming next week.
GOLD has made some exciting changes!
Now we’re all about playing ‘Just Great Rock’. Embracing the timeless rock hits from the late '60s through the '90s. You can expect to enjoy the sounds of guitar heroes like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Eddie Van Halen, along with iconic lead singers such as Mick Jagger and Axl Rose.
GOLD is also prioritising a music-intensive listening experience throughout the day, introducing 90-minute Rockathons – Just Great Rock with minimal interruptions.
The Australian reports Goldman Sachs is undertaking a reviewing of MediaWorks’ business with the view of liquidating some of its assets, that could be picked up by NZME.
