Pan-Pacific Radio Services join forces

8 February 2007
For Immediate Release

Pan-Pacific Radio Services join forces

Kia Orana, Talofa lava, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Malo e Lelei, Fakalofa lahi atu, Taloha Ni, Talofa, Halo Olaketa, Kia ora

Pacific broadcasting reached a significant milestone this week when the two Pan-Pacific radio services came together under one roof.

Radio 531pi began broadcasting from the National Pacific Radio Trust's (NPRT) Brown Street headquarters in Ponsonby, Auckland alongside the Trust's radio network service, NiuFM.

The government-appointed charitable trust (NPRT) that has owned and managed the NiuFM Radio Network, since it was established in 2002, officially took over the operation of the Radio 531pi service on 1st February 2007.

Chairman of the National Pacific Radio Trust, Satiu Simativa Perese, says "The merging of the two services is an historic event that will enable the Trust to enhance radio services and programmes to our Pasifika communities, particularly in the Auckland region".

The Chief Executive of the Trust, Sina Moore, says "NiuFM serves a younger demographic, and a 85,000 plus network audience around New Zealand, whereas Radio 531pi's overall programming is aimed at an older audience (35+) and is Auckland focussed."

"The merger has enabled us to combine resources and we now have a pool of some of the best Pacific broadcasting talent in the country (30 staff from Radio 531pi have joined NPRT's operations). It is exciting times for Pacific Broadcasting."

A new brand of Pacific news for both services is one of the highlights of the coming together. Pacific Radio News will now be delivered on NiuFM and Radio 531PI every hour from 6am to 6pm by the news team which specialises in news from a Pacific perspective from around New Zealand, regionally and internationally.

ENDS

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