Classic Rock 96FM (Hawkes Bay)
| Company type | Radio broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Predecessor | Apple Radio / 77ZK / Greatest Hits FM96 / Better Music 96FM |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Fate | Replaced by Radio Hauraki 96FM |
| Headquarters | Hawke's Bay , New Zealand |
Area served | Hawke's Bay, New Zealand |
| Owner | Radio New Zealand (until 1996), then The Radio Network |
Classic Rock 96FM was a radio broadcaster based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, operating from 1977 until 1998. Over its lifespan, the station underwent multiple format changes before becoming part of the ZM network under the ownership of New Zealand Media and Entertainment.
Apple Radio and Concert Programme relay
Initially launched by Radio New Zealand in 1977 as Apple Radio on the 730AM frequency, the station also transmitted the Concert Programme during non-peak hours. After New Zealand adjusted its AM band spacing in 1978, Apple Radio moved to 765AM.
77ZK
In 1983, when the Concert Programme shifted to a dedicated FM channel at 91.1FM, Apple Radio expanded its broadcast hours into the evening and rebranded itself as The All New 77ZK, later adopting the name Hit Radio 77ZK.
Format shift to Adult Contemporary
By 1988, the station embraced a blend of oldies and adult contemporary tunes, rebranding as Greatest Hits 77ZK.
Greatest Hits FM96
On 1 December 1989, the station transitioned to FM broadcasting at 95.9FM, becoming known as Greatest Hits FM96. A supplementary frequency was introduced in Wairoa on 99.7FM, while transmissions on 765AM were discontinued.
96FM
In February 1992, it adopted the name Better Music 96FM and increased live broadcast content beyond just breakfast programming.
Switch to Classic Rock
October of that year saw a format change to classic rock, with the station rebranded as Classic Rock 96FM. This format persisted until it was replaced by Radio Hauraki in 1998.
Ownership change
Following Radio New Zealand’s divestment of its commercial stations in 1996, The Radio Network acquired Classic Rock 96FM.
Closure and replacement with Radio Hauraki
After acquiring Prospect Media Limited in 1996—which included Auckland-based stations such as the former pirate broadcaster Radio Hauraki—The Radio Network substituted Classic Rock 96FM with Radio Hauraki 96FM in July 1998.
Replacement with 96ZM
In March 1999, Radio Hauraki was succeeded by the Auckland-originated ZM brand under the name 96ZM, which later became known during the 2000s as 95-9 and 99-7 ZM. Radio Hauraki returned to Hawke's Bay airwaves in 2000 on frequency 99.9FM.
In December 2010, the Wairoa relay on 99.7FM was discontinued and its frequency repurposed to transmit Classic Hits 89.5 Hawke's Bay into that region.