Like Triple J, Thompson said the new RNZ station would not be genre specific – unlike most commercial music stations. It is the broadcaster's biggest national radio station, and is only beaten in audience size by the cumulative ratings of every regional station broadcast by the ABC. Commercial radio companies have shown concern about the planned launch of a publicly funded youth-focused music station, fearing it could draw audiences away from their own stations. Last year, RNZ hired the former boss of dance music station George FM, Willy Macalister, to head its music department. Chris McKeen/Stuff George FM is a dance music station that broadcasts from Ponsonby Rd, in Auckland.

Source: Stuff February 13, 2020 02:37 UTC