George FM Goes National, Mediaworks Launches New Radio Brand

3 December, 2014

George FM Goes National, Mediaworks to Launch New Radio Brand after Success in Radio Spectrum Auction

MediaWorks will turn George FM into a nationwide radio brand, extend Mai FM’s footprint into 12 markets, and launch a new nationwide radio station in 2015 after securing 27 radio spectrum licences in today’s Radio Spectrum auction.
MediaWorks also retained a number of key strategic frequencies for its other radio brands in the auction, which was run by The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The licences last until 2031.

MediaWorks Group CEO, Mark Weldon says the result is a game changer for the commercial radio market.

“There are three key planks to our growth strategy. Securing these frequencies means George FM will be broadcast in Wellington, Palmerston North and Dunedin as well as Auckland. Mai FM will become the only nationwide Hip Hop and R&B radio station.

“We have acquired a new National radio network, and will launch a new station on those frequencies in 2015.”

MediaWorks invested $7.4 million to acquire the 27 frequencies. The auction also saw a record price paid for a single frequency; NZME paid $7.8 million to retain one of the frequencies it currently broadcasts on in Christchurch.

MediaWorks Radio CEO Wendy Palmer says: “This is a spectacular result, and enables us to further extend the reach of our radio brands for the benefit of both listeners and advertisers.

“I want to acknowledge the excellent job done by the project team who worked together seamlessly across the business to deliver a winning outcome.”

MediaWorks is the dominant player in New Zealand’s commercial radio market, with 56.6% share of the 25-54 demographic, compared to competitor NZME’s 31.9%. (TNS New Zealand Commercial National Survey 2-2014, Station Share (%), 25-54, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn)

MediaWorks is New Zealand’s largest independent broadcaster, reaching 3.8 million Kiwis through its TV, Radio and Digital platforms. The company owns and operates television channels TV3, FOUR and The Edge TV; radio brands The Edge, The Rock, More FM, The Breeze, The Sound, Mai FM, George FM, Kiwi FM, LiveSPORT and RadioLIVE; a network of websites including 3news.co.nz and 3NOW, and a family of mobile and tablet apps. MediaWorks’ entertainment and news brands and people are household names, with loyal, highly engaged audiences. www.mediaworks.co.nz

ENDS

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