Latest news with #NewZealandMediaandEntertainment
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Leigh Hart Returns To Radio With New Show On Radio Hauraki
Press Release – NZME. Premiering this Friday 6 June, Paid to Talk, builds on Harts reputation as one of New Zealand's most distinctive comedic voices and provides listeners with more of his unique perspective, trademark humour, and unconventional approach. Legendary Kiwi media personality Leigh Hart is returning to radio with a brand-new radio show on Radio Hauraki and a corresponding podcast, New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) announced today. Premiering this Friday 6 June, Paid to Talk, builds on Hart's reputation as one of New Zealand's most distinctive comedic voices and provides listeners with more of his unique perspective, trademark humour, and unconventional approach. In addition to the Friday radio broadcast, the show will be available as a catch up podcast, with exclusive bonus content created specifically for podcast listeners. Todd Campbell, Content Director for Radio Hauraki says 'We are so excited to have Leigh Hart back 'on-air' at Radio Hauraki. He'll be joined by his great mate Matt Ward who is well known to the Hauraki audience. It's instant chemistry with these two, and a great way to kick off the weekend with some big laughs with Paid to Talk at 3pm and The Big Show from 4!' Sarah Catran, NZME Head of Digital Audio says: 'We're thrilled to be collaborating with Leigh on his exclusive podcast, an opportunity that brings his unparalleled talent to the forefront and an established fan-base to our NZME digital platforms. 'The innovative dual-format approach exemplifies NZME's commitment to bridging traditional radio and digital audio experiences. This showcases NZME's continued efforts to redefine the audio landscape with bespoke products that seamlessly connect terrestrial and digital platforms, setting new benchmarks in the industry,' she says. Leigh Hart says: 'Although I have been in the New Zealand radio wilderness for a while, I have kept my hand in as the breakfast, drive time, late night talk-back host and newsreader on Caliente FM in Peru. 'This was of course a challenge as Spanish was very much a second language to me. So I am excited to be back on the New Zealand airwaves in Paid to Talk with Matt Ward, better known as 'Lobo de Noche' or the Night Wolf. The show is called Paid to Talk, unfortunately however the listeners aren't paid to listen, this will be offset by giving away air-fryers!' Paid to Talk debuts this Friday 6 June on Radio Hauraki at 3pm, with the podcast available on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Leigh Hart Returns To Radio With New Show On Radio Hauraki
Legendary Kiwi media personality Leigh Hart is returning to radio with a brand-new radio show on Radio Hauraki and a corresponding podcast, New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) announced today. Premiering this Friday 6 June, Paid to Talk, builds on Hart's reputation as one of New Zealand's most distinctive comedic voices and provides listeners with more of his unique perspective, trademark humour, and unconventional approach. In addition to the Friday radio broadcast, the show will be available as a catch up podcast, with exclusive bonus content created specifically for podcast listeners. Todd Campbell, Content Director for Radio Hauraki says 'We are so excited to have Leigh Hart back 'on-air' at Radio Hauraki. He'll be joined by his great mate Matt Ward who is well known to the Hauraki audience. It's instant chemistry with these two, and a great way to kick off the weekend with some big laughs with Paid to Talk at 3pm and The Big Show from 4!' Sarah Catran, NZME Head of Digital Audio says: "We're thrilled to be collaborating with Leigh on his exclusive podcast, an opportunity that brings his unparalleled talent to the forefront and an established fan-base to our NZME digital platforms. 'The innovative dual-format approach exemplifies NZME's commitment to bridging traditional radio and digital audio experiences. This showcases NZME's continued efforts to redefine the audio landscape with bespoke products that seamlessly connect terrestrial and digital platforms, setting new benchmarks in the industry,' she says. Leigh Hart says: 'Although I have been in the New Zealand radio wilderness for a while, I have kept my hand in as the breakfast, drive time, late night talk-back host and newsreader on Caliente FM in Peru. 'This was of course a challenge as Spanish was very much a second language to me. So I am excited to be back on the New Zealand airwaves in Paid to Talk with Matt Ward, better known as 'Lobo de Noche' or the Night Wolf. The show is called Paid to Talk, unfortunately however the listeners aren't paid to listen, this will be offset by giving away air-fryers!' Paid to Talk debuts this Friday 6 June on Radio Hauraki at 3pm, with the podcast available on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Digital Live News-Streaming Platform Herald Now Launching Monday
Press Release – New Zealand Media and Entertainment New Zealand Media and Entertainment has today confirmed its highly anticipated new live digital news-streaming platform, Herald NOW, will launch on Monday 26 May. The NZ Herald's innovative news-streaming service, hosted by well-known broadcaster Ryan Bridge, will offer audiences a new way to consume high-quality video news content and premium journalism. The cutting-edge platform will be accessible via the Herald homepage on desktop and mobile devices, streaming live from the NZ Herald's purpose-built studio facilities at NZME Auckland Central. The daily live stream and a full published edition of each show will also be available via NZ Herald's YouTube channel. The platform aims to address the growing preference for video-based news consumption, filling a significant gap in the New Zealand media market while complementing the Herald's established reputation for trusted journalism. Murray Kirkness, NZ Herald editor-in chief, says: 'Herald NOW represents NZME's continued commitment to digital transformation and innovation in the New Zealand media landscape, offering viewers breaking news, exclusive interviews, investigative journalism and comprehensive coverage across entertainment and business sectors. 'With our official launch just days away, Herald NOW is positioned to transform how Kiwis engage with news content, making quality journalism more accessible and engaging in today's digital-first media environment. We're confident it will be popular with our audiences as we continue to offer new and innovative ways for our readers to engage with our content,' he says. Sarah Bristow, NZME Managing Editor, Multimedia Content says she's proud of the team's efforts leading into launch. 'Each and every one of us has been committed to excellence, ensuring we are delivering a top quality, visually appealing and technically sound programme with content that will engage a diverse audience. It has been a huge effort across multiple teams to get to this point, and I can't wait to see it all come together with the show's launch on Monday,' she says. NZME has secured several prestigious clients as founding partners for Herald NOW, bolstering the launch with strong industry support. 'A number of advertising partners have recognised the powerful brand engagement opportunities offered via Herald NOW and we look forward to unveiling details of those partners in launch week. Their early support reflects a shared belief in the future of innovative and accessible digital news delivery, and we're pleased to have them on board sponsoring various specialist sections of the new show,' says Bristow.
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
NZME Stakes Claim In Explosive Country Music Market With Launch Of iHeartCountry New Zealand
Press Release – NZME. The new station will feature an extensive playlist of hits from global country music superstars including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, Dasha, Kane Brown, Megan Moroney and Jason Aldean, alongside homegrown New Zealand talent … Responding to the massive surge in country music popularity worldwide, New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) has today announced the exciting launch of a dedicated country music station, iHeartCountry New Zealand on Friday 9 May – marking a pivotal expansion of the company's audio portfolio. Initially ad-free, iHeartCountry New Zealand will be available via NZME's market-leading digital audio app iHeartRadio and broadcast across FM frequencies in Auckland, Northland, Gisborne, Nelson, Christchurch, West Coast and Wānaka. The new station will feature an extensive playlist of hits from global country music superstars including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, Dasha, Kane Brown, Megan Moroney and Jason Aldean, alongside homegrown New Zealand talent such as Kaylee Bell. Jason Winstanley, NZME Chief Audio Officer says: 'We're so excited to be launching iHeartCountry New Zealand, filling what we see as a significant gap in our local audio landscape. Country music is experiencing a massive surge in growth globally, with mainstream audiences embracing the genre like never before. 'Recent sold out shows from artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton in New Zealand demonstrates the strong and growing appetite for country music here. NZME is proud to be a trailblazer in introducing a dedicated country music station to the market and I have no doubt it's going to be hugely popular.' Kim Boshier from Sony Music New Zealand said: 'Country music has always had an audience in Aotearoa, but in recent years it's finally gained mainstream popularity, which is great for all of us. We're seeing local artists like Kaylee Bell achieving remarkable success, while international country stars are drawing bigger audiences than ever before. Having a dedicated platform for country music in New Zealand will further fuel this momentum and provide a home for both established and emerging country artists.' Legendary NZ concert promoter Brent Eccles from Eccles Entertainment says: 'Yes…! I've been telling anyone who will listen for a couple of years now, that someone should start a country music station in NZ and it makes me feel all warm inside that it's finally being done. Lots of great country artists are coming down to New Zealand and Australia now and this will be compelling reason to have them play here. Add to this our amazing local country talent and it all adds up to a bloody good idea.' Michael Boggs, CEO of NZME, says the launch of iHeartCountry New Zealand perfectly aligns with NZME's strategic priorities to grow its audiences. 'This addition to our audio portfolio strengthens our position to be the country's leading audio company and allows us to connect with new audiences while offering our advertising partners access to an engaged and passionate listenership. By identifying this gap in the market and responding to changing listener preferences, we're demonstrating our commitment to delivering content that resonates with New Zealanders.' Listeners can tune in to iHeartCountry New Zealand from Friday 9 May on iHeartRadio or via the following frequencies: • Auckland – 105.4 FM • Northland – 95.6 FM • Nelson – 104.0 FM • Christchurch – 91.7 FM • Gisborne – 88.3 FM • West Coast – Greymouth 91.5 FM & 97.1 FM, Reefton 99.9 FM, Westport 92.5 FM • Wānaka – 104.2 FM
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
NZME Stakes Claim In Explosive Country Music Market With Launch Of iHeartCountry New Zealand
Press Release – NZME. Responding to the massive surge in country music popularity worldwide, New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) has today announced the exciting launch of a dedicated country music station, iHeartCountry New Zealand on Friday 9 May – marking a pivotal expansion of the company's audio portfolio. Initially ad-free, iHeartCountry New Zealand will be available via NZME's market-leading digital audio app iHeartRadio and broadcast across FM frequencies in Auckland, Northland, Gisborne, Nelson, Christchurch, West Coast and Wānaka. The new station will feature an extensive playlist of hits from global country music superstars including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, Dasha, Kane Brown, Megan Moroney and Jason Aldean, alongside homegrown New Zealand talent such as Kaylee Bell. Jason Winstanley, NZME Chief Audio Officer says: 'We're so excited to be launching iHeartCountry New Zealand, filling what we see as a significant gap in our local audio landscape. Country music is experiencing a massive surge in growth globally, with mainstream audiences embracing the genre like never before. 'Recent sold out shows from artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton in New Zealand demonstrates the strong and growing appetite for country music here. NZME is proud to be a trailblazer in introducing a dedicated country music station to the market and I have no doubt it's going to be hugely popular.' Kim Boshier from Sony Music New Zealand said: 'Country music has always had an audience in Aotearoa, but in recent years it's finally gained mainstream popularity, which is great for all of us. We're seeing local artists like Kaylee Bell achieving remarkable success, while international country stars are drawing bigger audiences than ever before. Having a dedicated platform for country music in New Zealand will further fuel this momentum and provide a home for both established and emerging country artists.' Legendary NZ concert promoter Brent Eccles from Eccles Entertainment says: 'Yes…! I've been telling anyone who will listen for a couple of years now, that someone should start a country music station in NZ and it makes me feel all warm inside that it's finally being done. Lots of great country artists are coming down to New Zealand and Australia now and this will be compelling reason to have them play here. Add to this our amazing local country talent and it all adds up to a bloody good idea.' Michael Boggs, CEO of NZME, says the launch of iHeartCountry New Zealand perfectly aligns with NZME's strategic priorities to grow its audiences. 'This addition to our audio portfolio strengthens our position to be the country's leading audio company and allows us to connect with new audiences while offering our advertising partners access to an engaged and passionate listenership. By identifying this gap in the market and responding to changing listener preferences, we're demonstrating our commitment to delivering content that resonates with New Zealanders.' Listeners can tune in to iHeartCountry New Zealand from Friday 9 May on iHeartRadio or via the following frequencies: • Auckland – 105.4 FM • Northland – 95.6 FM • Nelson – 104.0 FM • Christchurch – 91.7 FM • Gisborne – 88.3 FM • West Coast – Greymouth 91.5 FM & 97.1 FM, Reefton 99.9 FM, Westport 92.5 FM • Wānaka – 104.2 FM
