1ZM (New Zealand)
| Company type | Radio broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting, Radio |
| Founded | late 1920s |
| Founder | W.W. (Bill) Rodgers |
| Headquarters | Auckland , New Zealand |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
| Owner | New Zealand Media and Entertainment |
1ZM was a radio broadcaster based in Auckland, New Zealand, initially part of the ZM network and subsequently becoming the inaugural Classic Hits outlet. Currently, it is under the ownership of New Zealand Media and Entertainment and functions as the primary station for The Hits network.
Early years
The ZM identity began with 1ZM, established by W.W. (Bill) Rodgers during the late 1920s in Manurewa, which was then a rural community south of Auckland, transmitting on 1250AM.
Ownership transferred to the government entity Radio New Zealand (then the National Broadcasting Board), prompting a move approximately 26 km north to central Auckland, where it shared facilities with 1ZB inside the 1941 Art Deco Broadcasting House. In April 1944, control of 1ZM passed to the US AFRS military broadcasting service to provide entertainment for American servicemen on R & R leave as part of the AES Mosquito Network. The programming, sourced from ABC, NBC, and CBS without commercial interruptions, became popular with both American troops and local Auckland listeners due to its dynamic presentation and current hits. After World War II concluded, 1ZM reverted to the New Zealand Broadcasting Service (NZBS) and later came under the state-run New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC).
Following adjustments in frequency allocations and callsigns, 1ZM was rebranded first as 1ZD and then as 1YD, mirroring Wellington’s 2YD station. Operating as a low-power, non-commercial metropolitan music channel, 1YD broadcast retro tunes and oldies during evenings and weekends. To address advertising demand on the sole state-owned commercial station 1ZB, 1YD was eventually allowed limited live-read advertisements. By the 1960s, its transmitter hours in the mornings were leased to private commercial broadcaster Radio i, which later obtained its own AM frequency.
Rise of ZM
The advent of 'pirate' radio in 1966 through Radio Hauraki, broadcasting offshore from a barge in the Hauraki Gulf, introduced private investment into New Zealand radio and heightened market competition. In response, the NZBC reintroduced the ZM brand in 1973 for its metropolitan YD stations in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, marketing them as ZM Maxi Music to refresh their appeal.
In 1978, New Zealand modified AM band channel spacing from 10 kHz to 9 kHz increments, which resulted in 1ZM shifting to 1251AM.
Introduction of overnight programming
By 1981, Radio New Zealand stations received authorization for round-the-clock broadcasting—a privilege previously held only by private stations. This led to the launch of the ZM All-Nighter program, an overnight networked show broadcast from 1ZM Auckland studios to 2ZM Wellington, 3ZM Christchurch, 2ZK Hawkes Bay, and 4ZG Gore. Initially hosted by Barry Jenkin with an alternative music focus, the show transitioned after his departure in 1983 towards a top-40 format incorporating significant New Zealand content. Despite 1ZM Auckland’s format shift in 1987, the ZM All-Nighter continued until 1989.
Commercial-free era
In 1982, after unsuccessful attempts to obtain an FM license and facing competition from new private Auckland stations, 1ZM adopted a 'Limited Sponsorship' approach that replaced its full commercial license. Advertising was heavily restricted—no musical backing for ads, no pricing details mentioned, and a maximum of 25 words per advertisement. Although marketed as "Total Music ZM" with an emphasis on commercial-free listening, both audience numbers and revenue declined over two to three years as listeners preferred FM stations offering superior audio quality. Management pursued an FM license vigorously, even selling '30-second shares' for its inaugural stereo broadcast day.
Discontinuation of ZM brand and launch of Classic Hits
By 1987, with commercial broadcasting still restricted, 1ZM was unsuccessful in obtaining an FM license once more. Consequently, it shifted to a 'Classic Hits' format, modeled after proven U.S. examples. Moving away from rigid playlists, the station focused on adults aged 25 to 44, featuring an extensive library of more than 3,500 tracks ranging from Dean Martin to AC/DC. This strategic realignment sought to regain listeners but resulted in Radio NZ incurring annual losses exceeding $1 million due to the absence of commercial advertising. The station abandoned the ZM identity in favor of Classic Hits Twelve Fifty One, eventually evolving into the Classic Hits brand with nationwide expansion. Meanwhile, ZM outlets in Wellington and Christchurch were exempt from limited commercial restrictions and transitioned to FM during the mid-1980s.
Transition to FM broadcasting
Following deregulation under the Lange administration, the station secured in December 1989 the right to broadcast in stereo on 97.4 MHz in Auckland and to air advertisements. The 1251 kHz AM license was reassigned to Christian broadcaster Radio Rhema. With this move to FM, the station rebranded as Classic Hits 97FM, initially featuring presenters such as Peter Mac, Mary-Jane Tomasi, John Hawkesby, Bob Gentil, and Darren Mills.
Expansion of Classic Hits across the country
In 1992, Classic Hits 97FM refreshed its branding with a green diamond logo incorporating the frequency. By 1993, Radio New Zealand rebranded numerous regional stations under this Classic Hits identity and standardized their on-air imaging while preserving locally produced live shows.
Privatisation of Radio NZ commercial stations
The New Zealand Government divested the Radio New Zealand commercial division in 1996, which included all Classic Hits and ZM stations. Starting in 1998, most Classic Hits outlets restricted local content to a breakfast show airing from 6am to 10am; remaining programming was networked from Auckland. Announcers at Classic Hits 97FM Auckland began delivering dual voice breaks tailored separately for Auckland audiences and nationwide listeners.
Reintroduction of ZM brand in Auckland
In 1997, the ZM brand returned to Auckland on 91.0FM as 91ZM Auckland, occupying a frequency previously held by local station 91FM. This station operates independently from the original 1ZM and currently serves as the flagship for the ZM network.
Current status of the station
On 28 April 2014, all Classic Hits stations underwent rebranding as The Hits, debuting a networked breakfast program hosted by Polly Gillespie and Grant Kareama. Former breakfast hosts were reassigned to a mid-morning slot from 9am to 3pm. In Auckland, breakfast presenters Justin Rae and Stacey Morris transitioned to a nationwide Drive show. Other schedule changes included Estelle Clifford hosting mid-morning segments and Dave Fitzgerald producing localized midday programming for Christchurch and Auckland alongside network content. Weekday broadcasts generally originate from Auckland studios with a combination of localized and networked voice breaks. In February 2017, The Hits Auckland introduced a new local breakfast show featuring Sarah Gandy, Sam Wallace, and Toni Street. After Polly and Grant departed in March 2017, this Auckland breakfast program became the network’s primary morning show.