Radio Dunedin

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Radio Dunedin is a radio station, broadcasting from Dunedin, New Zealand on 1305 AM, in the central city on 106.7 FM, and online. [1] The station was launched in late 1922, by the Otago Radio Association, becoming the first radio station in New Zealand. [2] [3] The station is aimed primarily at the 40+ age bracket, with a community focus, and playing music primarily from the 1970s to today.[ citation needed ]

Contents

History

The Otago Radio Association first went to air on 4 October 1922, and celebrated 100 years of broadcasting in 2022. [3] 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. [1] Between 1922 and 1990, 4XD was operated by the Otago Radio Association as a non-commercial and voluntarily-run radio station. [1] In 1990, Radio Dunedin was set up as a commercial station, and in 1993 was purchased by Radio Otago Limited which also operated 4XO. [4]

In 1996, Radio Dunedin moved to the Radio Otago House in Cumberland Street. [5] In 1997, the station began simulcasting on 90.2 in FM Stereo briefly. 90.2 FM became Lite FM and later Solid Gold. On 6 May 2008, Radio Dunedin resumed broadcasting in FM Stereo, following test signals in mid-April 2008. [5]

In 2015, MediaWorks New Zealand decided to use 99.8 FM for its new nationwide network station Magic. On 20 April 2015, Radio Dunedin shifted to a low-power FM frequency of 107.7, which later changed to 106.7, with a range limited to the central city area. [5]

On 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 formerly Mosgiel FM and 4XO in the 1990s. 95.4 FM was originally broadcast from Chain Hill (above Wingatui) but was later moved to Saddle Hill. [5]

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. [6]

Between October 2021 to January 2025, The Breeze's "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.[ citation needed ] Until January 2025 Radio Dunedin was part of MediaWorks Radio, which operates several other stations including The Breeze (New Zealand radio station).[ citation needed ]

MediaWorks owns 95.4 FM and they decided to change this to The Breeze. This came into effect on 30th January 2025.[ citation needed ]

The partnership with Radio Aotearoa commenced on Monday 3rd February 2025. Radio Dunedin started broadcasting from new premises in Princes Street on Friday 25th April 2025.

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".[ citation needed ]

Programming

Radio Dunedin broadcasts locally from Rodger's House in Princes Street in the central city. Previous premises have been in ASB House, from 1997 to 2025 (the building was known as "Radio Otago House" from 1996 to 2014), Tennyson Street, Maclaggan Street, and in the city's southern suburb of St Kilda.

Noted presenters and on-air announcers have included "Toots" Mitchell, Colin Lehmann, Neil Collins, Owen Rooney and Gary Hoogvliet. [7]

Under its partnership with Radio Aotearoa, Radio Dunedin hosts Tony Amos' "Big Breakfast" and The Platform between 6am to 12pm on weekdays, Barbara Hamilton between 12pm to 4pm on weekdays (with Kevin O'Keefe filling in), and George Ngatai Drive from 4pm to 7pm weekdays. [8]

Outside of these hours, Radio Dunedin's programmes are presented by volunteer announcers from the Otago Radio Association at its studios in Princes Street, Dunedin. [8]

Broadcasting

Radio Dunedin can still be heard on either 1305 AM, 106.7 FM in the central city, or digitally online. [8] The station introduced live streaming on the internet in 2007 and is also available on MediaWork's Rova mobile app. [5]

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.

Florida's "Radio Dunedin"

There was another Radio Dunedin, a one-hour show heard on WTAN-AM 1340 in Dunedin, FL (USA). This show and station were not affiliated with the New Zealand station. [9]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "4XD Radio Dunedin". stream.radioaotearoa.com. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  2. ↑ "Radio Dunedin: Products and Services". Radio Dunedin. Archived from the original on 7 April 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  3. 1 2 Sullivan 2022, pp. 1–3.
  4. ↑ Sullivan 2022, pp. 101–107.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Sullivan 2022, p. 108.
  6. ↑ "New Zealand's oldest running radio station in Dunedin subject of quirky documentary film". 1News . 21 September 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  7. ↑ Sullivan 2022, pp. 108–109.
  8. 1 2 3 "Home". Radio Dunedin. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  9. ↑ "Homepage". Radio Dunedin. Archived from the original on 11 April 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2025.

Bibliography

45°53′08″S170°35′42″E / 45.8856°S 170.595°E / -45.8856; 170.595

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