Radio Dunedin
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (October 2022) |
Radio Dunedin is a radio station, broadcasting from Dunedin, New Zealand on 1305 AM, in the central city on 106.7 FM, and online: https://radio.org.nz/dunedin/
The station was launched in late 1922, by the Otago Radio Association, becoming the first radio station in New Zealand, and according to the station's website is the fifth oldest station in the world (five weeks older than the BBC).[1]
Radio Aotearoa partnership: Programmes from Radio Aotearoa and The Platform are aired from 6am to 12pm on weekdays. Followed by afternoons with Barbara Hamilton from 12pm to 6pm on weekdays. Outside of these hours, the station's programmes are presented by volunteer announcers of the Otago Radio Association (weeknights, weekends and public holidays).
The station is aimed primarily at the 50+ age bracket, with a community focus, local news, and playing music primarily from the 1960s to 1980s.
History
[edit]The Otago Radio Association first went to air on 4 October 1922, and celebrated 100 years of broadcasting in 2022. The station has had a number of call signs over the years including DN, 4AB, 4ZB (not to be confused with the government-owned station of the same name), Pioneer Radio, and for from 1948 until the 1980s as 4XD. Between 1922 and 1990, 4XD was operated by the Otago Radio Association as a non-commercial and voluntarily-run radio station. In 1990, Radio Dunedin was set up as a commercial station, and a few years later was purchased by Radio Otago Limited which also operated 4XO.
Until January 2025 Radio Dunedin was part of MediaWorks Radio, which operates several other stations including The Breeze (New Zealand radio station).
Radio Dunedin has broadcast to the greater Dunedin area (receivable in coastal Otago from Oamaru to Balclutha) on 1431 AM and 1305 AM, the latter of which it still uses.
In 1997, the station began simulcasting on 90.2 in FM Stereo, but this was for only a brief period before 90.2 FM became Lite FM and later Solid Gold. Over a decade passed before Radio Dunedin broadcast again in FM Stereo. Test signals began in mid-April 2008, with the official launch of 99.8 FM on Tuesday 6 May 2008.
After 7 years, MediaWorks decided to use 99.8 FM for its new nationwide network station Magic. As a result, on Monday 20 April 2015, Radio Dunedin moved to a low-power FM frequency of 107.7, which later changed to 106.7, with a range limited to the central city area.
On Monday 14 March 2016, Radio Dunedin commenced broadcasting to Mosgiel and surrounding areas in FM stereo on 95.4 – this frequency was previously a relay of 97.4 More FM, and originally Mosgiel FM and 4XO in the 1990s. 95.4 FM was originally broadcast from Chain Hill (above Wingatui) but now broadcasts from Saddle Hill.
MediaWorks owns 95.4 FM and they decided to change this to The Breeze. This was effective on Thursday 30th January 2025.
Radio Dunedin can still be heard on either 1305 AM, 106.7 FM in the central city, or digitally online.
The partnership with Radio Aotearoa commenced on Monday 3rd February 2025.
Radio Dunedin introduced live streaming on the internet in mid-2007. It is also available on the Rova mobile app. https://www.rova.nz/home/radio/radio-dunedin.html
Slogans over the years have included "one of a kind", "easy listening", "easy listening hits", "hits and memories", and (since June 2011) "Good Talk, Good Music".
Radio Dunedin broadcasts locally from ASB House (known as "Radio Otago House" from 1996 to 2014) in the central city. Previous premises have been in Maclaggan Street and in the city's southern suburb of St Kilda.
From October 2021 to January 2025, The Breeze “Dunedin’s breakfast” show, with Damian & Hannah, was simulcast on Radio Dunedin. This come about when Owen Rooney departed after 16 years of hosting the popular breakfast show.
Noted presenters and on-air announcers have included "Toots" Mitchell, Colin Lehmann, Neil Collins and Owen Rooney.
Local Programming:
- Radio Dunedin afternoons with Barbara Hamilton from 12pm weekdays.
- The Otago Radio Association from 6pm weeknights plus all weekends and public holidays. There are various shows hosted by volunteer announcers, all live & local.
"Radio Dunedin" the documentary
[edit]| Radio Dunedin | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Grant Findlay |
| Produced by | Grant Findlay Ryan Inglis |
| Cinematography | Grant Findlay |
| Edited by | Sarah Rowan |
| Music by | Barry McConnachie Ryan Inglis |
Production companies | Your Face Films Enterprise Dunedin |
| Distributed by | Rialto Cinemas Dunedin (NZ) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 75 minutes |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Language | English |
In 2017, a feature-length documentary film of the same name was produced. Radio Dunedin, the film was directed by Grant Findlay, and followed the history of the station which has faced many challenges over its years including arson attempts, Government takeovers, lack of funds and numerous technical issues.[2]
Florida's "Radio Dunedin"
[edit]There is another Radio Dunedin, a one-hour show heard on WTAN-AM 1340 in Dunedin, FL (USA). This show and station are not affiliated with the New Zealand station.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ Radio Dunedin Website Archived 7 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "New Zealand's oldest running radio station in Dunedin subject of quirky documentary film". TVNZ 1 News. 21 September 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ RadioDunedin (FL) Archived 11 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine