What's New February 14, 2020

Major lineup changes after NZME reviews radio strategy

Former Assistant Editor

2020 will sees several key changes to the presenter lineup across NZME’s suite of radio stations.

Comedy duo Jono Pryor and Ben Boyce are the new hosts of Breakfast on The Hits. The pair have previously spent time at The Edge, The Rock and Radio Hauraki.

The change means Toni Street and Sam Wallace will jump over to Coast for a new Breakfast show with Jason Reeves.

“NZME is home to the best radio talent in New Zealand,” Palmer said.

“When you line up the new breakfast teams on Coast and The Hits with Jeremy Wells and Matt Heath on Hauraki, Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB and ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan and Megan you have an incredible breakfast portfolio right across our radio networks, including Radio Sport and Flava.”

Meanwhile, Laura McGoldrick moves to The Hits for a 3pm Pick-Up show.

“McGoldrick’s 3pm Pick Up Show on The Hits is an innovative new approach to afternoon programming.

“It’s designed to showcase Laura’s great talent and reach an engaged audience whether they’re on the school run or just need a pick-up at work.”

The changes come as part of a revised radio strategy, NZME chief radio and commercial officer Wendy Palmer told the NZ Herald.

“We’ve taken a close look at where our audiences are and ensured our hosts are on the networks that deliver our audiences more of what they want,” said Palmer.

NZME will soon make an announcement regarding a new Radio Hauraki Drive show.

“One of the keys to winning or losing comes down to talented entertainers being given the best opportunity to deliver the great content they love producing – so they can grow their audiences,” says NZME CEO Michael Boggs.

“The changes we’ve announced today reflect our ongoing strategic commitment to growing radio revenue and capability. This is exciting news for our advertisers and commercial partners as we ensure our brands evolve with audience and customer expectations.”

NZME operates stations including Newstalk ZB, The Hits, ZM, Radio Sport, Radio Hauraki, Flava, Coast and Mix.