IMNZ Responds To Kiwi FM Format Change
Independent Music New Zealand represents NZ-owned labels and distributors that handle the bulk of New Zealand recorded music and the diverse artists who perform those songs - a significantly large sector of which have received airplay and support via Kiwi FM.
While IMNZ understands the nature of the recent change in format (to 60% NZ music/40% elsewhere) for Kiwi FM is designed to reach a larger audience for the non-profit station, the hope is that in doing so Kiwi FM's handlers will continue to programme "a diverse and interesting range of NZ songs, not just limiting itself to a formulaic 'Nature's Best' style playlist" said IMNZ's chairman Ben Howe, earlier this afternoon.
IMNZ knows there is an abundance of great local content readily available from independent sources, where the majority of NZ music is being created - the excellent quality and amount of album nominations received for the Taite Music Prize 2012 will testify to this.
Additionally, IMNZ are hopeful that the new formatting will bring a positive change to the radio market in the alternative / non-commercial field. IMNZ spokesperson Ben Howe says "we would wish to remind everyone that Kiwi FM's frequencies were put aside for public access radio of some sort and we advocate a radio entity that has the ability to grow a decent audience, support local music and break new artists - as has been successfully done in Australia with Triple JJJ."
