Major Backing For Return Of Local Talk Radio

Major Client Backing For Return Of Local Talk Radio

The Radio Network has today announced a well known Christchurch identity and businessman has signed a significant commercial contract to support the return of local morning talk radio on 1098AM Newstalk ZB. The programme was changed late last year with a network talk show replacing the local programme at the beginning of 2010. Last week, The Radio Network announced that respected broadcaster Mike Yardley would return to hosting a Christchurch talk show from 8.30am to 12noon from 21 June 2010.

Christchurch General Manager Andrew Britt apologised to Cantabrians for the network getting it wrong with the changes. The response to the announcement has been incredible.

Businessman Gordon Freeman and his successful Redwood Hotel complex, including the Sequoia 88 restaurant, have signed a sponsorship agreement with the programme.

The Mike Yardley talk radio show will be brought to Cantabrians in association with the Redwood Hotel, the home of Sequoia 88. Andrew Britt says this may seem like just another advertising deal, but is much more than that.

“Gordon’s decision to sign a significant strategic partnership and sponsorship agreement in effect finalised our decision to bring back local talk radio. He has literally put his money where his mouth is and shown his commercial and personal support for 1098AM Newstalk ZB and local talk radio in Christchurch. He is a businessman with a social conscious,” he says.

“It has been less than a week since we announced the return of this show, and the response has been much greater than even we expected. As we said at the time, we got it wrong and sometimes when you lose something, you realise how important it was to you. That certainly continues to be the feedback from listeners and clients.

“We do really appreciate all the great calls, letters and emails. This decision was not just about ratings and financials – it was about listening to our listeners and our community.”

Gordon Freeman says his decision was made for several reasons. “Local talk radio is the best vehicle for the promotion of my businesses. This city has also been very good to me and I wanted to put something back. Many of our patrons are avid 1098AM Newstalk ZB supporters and this is also being done with them in mind. Over the years, I’ve spent significant dollars with the station, but it’s been a two-way street and they’ve been very good to me and our various businesses.”

Gordon Freeman says whilst he won’t have any input into the actual talk radio show, he’ll certainly be encouraging other businesses to follow suit and support the programme with advertising.

Andrew Britt says the team at 1098AM Newstalk ZB is now focusing on the future and the return on the show. “We are not looking back over our shoulder.”

“Again, all we ask is that on 21 June 2010 at 8.30am, you are tuned into 1098AM Newstalk ZB for Mike’s first show in the new era of talk radio in Canterbury.”

ENDS

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