New Zealand loses its only classical music station in deep cuts to public radio

New Zealand’s ‘fine music network’ is to be replaced by an automated service on AM and digital, and a proposed ‘youth’ channel on FM.

In proposed changes, the classical station will lose its FM frequency, all its presenters, interviews and live programmes. Playout of recordings will only continue as a fully automated playlist on a digital stream and AM frequencies. Under the plans, New Zealand will have no longer have a live-presented radio station dedicated to classical music.

It’s part of cuts and restructures as Radio New Zealand plans to launch a new platform aimed at an 18-35 audience.