Government could free up FM frequency to keep RNZ Concert on radio in stereo
Monday, 10 February 2020
The Government is believed to be working a plan that would allow RNZ Concert to keep broadcasting on the radio in stereo on FM.
RNZ announced last week that it intended to reallocate Concert FM's frequency to a new youth-oriented music channel that it plans to have on air later this year, prompting a backlash from some listeners.
It is understood RNZ does not have sufficient radio spectrum in the FM band to broadcast both the new channel and RNZ Concert on FM.
But it is understood the Government could reallocate some unused FM spectrum to RNZ to address that issue.
**READ MORE:
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* Jacinda Ardern on RNZ Concert changes: 'We don't have to lose one for the other'
* Dame Kiri Te Kanawa slams 'controlling' RNZ executives over proposed Concert changes
* Youth radio killed the classical star**
The Government is expected to make an announcement later on Monday and Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi has been approached for comment.
RNZ spokesman John Barr said it understood that RNZ's music proposals were to be discussed at Cabinet this afternoon.
'It would inappropriate to comment further until the outcome of those discussions is known,' he said.
A plan put to RNZ staff last week would see 18 jobs disestablished, including all the presenter roles at RNZ Concert.
Four new roles for schedulers and managers would be created at the station to maintain the channel on AM, on Freeview and online.
The new youth-oriented music service would have 13 staff, meaning a net loss of one job.
RNZ would not comment on whether the plan it has put out for consultation could be amended to see it retain some roles for presenters at Concert, if a way was found for it to continue FM broadcasts.