An "engaging personality, tireless commitment to the community and a little bit of magic" are what make The Hits Bay of Plenty 95FM radio host Will Johnston number one in the Bay.
In the latest radio ratings survey, The Hits local daytime show, hosted by Johnston, (pictured), was the number one radio station in the demographic of females between 30 and 49, said Simon Perry, sales manager for New Zealand Media and Entertainment, formerly The Radio Network.
"What makes a radio jock popular with women? You'd have to ask them that. It's a little bit of magic. Will has worked tirelessly over the last six months to build his local profile more, like in the recent indulge Bay Model event and only today (Sunday) working all day at The Busking Festival. He is totally committed, and genuine and it shows. People love that."
Mr Johnston, 31, laughed off the suggestion he was a "ladies' man". "It must be my fading good looks. Maybe women can see that once I used to be attractive. Seriously, it's about the music. We play great songs and a lot of them." Mr Johnston said he didn't treat a daytime audience as "drones". "People are at work or out and about or mums at home. We like to have a laugh."
Being connected locally underpins his show.