Station goes live in new studio

Charmaine Soljak gets acquainted with her brand new radio station studio, from which she will broadcast The Hits in the Northern Advocate/NZME building in Whangarei. Photo / John Stone

The Hits radio station went live yesterday morning, the culmination of a $400,000 studio build.

NZME Northland commercial manager Greg Alexander said the project reflected a commitment by the company to the region as well as to the future direction of media in the region.

"Having the radio station in the same building gives us the ability to leverage from a local news perspective, using our print media news team - we now have the ability for our journalists to go on radio live with breaking news."

He said the station made for a great fit with print media through the Northern Advocate as well as the Whangarei Report, and the company's digital platform.

From a commercial perspective, Mr Alexander said having the station in the Northern Advocate/NZME building on Roberts St meant the company could create immediate market solutions for clients.

"Our combined assets have the largest cover in Northland, which is great for our clients.

"No other media company can offer our clients the coverage in print, radio and digital - it's very much an integrated approach.

"It's also very exciting for all of us in the company - we will be first to the market and also provide local content with relevance to our community. This sets us up for a great future."

Announcer Charmaine Soljak works a 9am-3pm shift Monday to Friday, and the balance of the station's programming comes from national NZME morning and drive shows as well as rostered announcers from around the country for other times. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As well as playing a mix of contemporary hit radio tunes, Ms Soljak talks about local events, local stories and things to do in the region.

"The show is entertaining, fun and light to meet the needs of our target audience," she said.

She will be supported by a sales team of eight and with technical assistance on site.

The radio station concept was conceived late last year and construction started about six months ago.

Mr Alexander said the project was completed on time and on budget. Apart from one imported technician, the balance of the project featured only local suppliers and labour.