Geyserland FM
| Company type | Radio broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Rotorua , New Zealand |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
Geyserland FM operated as a radio broadcaster based in Rotorua, New Zealand.
History
The station commenced operations in 1959 under Radio New Zealand (then known as the National Broadcasting Service) on the 1350AM frequency, initially identified as 1ZC. Its original studios were situated on Eruera Street before relocating to Arawa Street on 14 October 1967, coinciding with a rebranding to Radio Geyserland.
In 1988, the station transitioned to 97.5FM, adopting the name 97.5 Geyserland FM with the callsign 1GEY, and ceased transmissions on 1350AM. This AM frequency was subsequently occupied by the independent broadcaster Today AM and later by Radio Sport.
During 1993, Radio New Zealand undertook a widespread rebranding initiative for its stations under the Classic Hits FM banner. As a result, Geyserland FM became known as Classic Hits 97FM. Although the Geyserland designation was removed from on-air branding, it remained visible within the station’s logo.
In July 1996, the New Zealand Government divested Radio New Zealand's commercial division, including all Classic Hits outlets, selling them to The Radio Network, a company jointly owned by APN News & Media and Clear Channel Communications, operating through the Australian Radio Network.
By 1998, local content on Classic Hits 97FM was limited to a four-hour daily segment from 6 am to 10 am, with national programming sourced from Auckland filling remaining time slots. In 2012, the breakfast show duration was reduced to three hours across all Classic Hits stations.
The station also transmitted on 90.8FM serving Reporoa, Broadlands, Ngakuru, and Waikite Valley; this frequency changed from 90.9FM in 2010.
On 28 April 2014, Classic Hits stations underwent another rebranding to become The Hits, introducing a networked breakfast program hosted by Polly Gillespie and Grant Kareama. Former local breakfast presenters were reassigned to a midday slot running from 9 am to 3 pm. The daytime broadcast is hosted by Paul Hickey and is also simulcast on The Hits Taupo. The studios have since been relocated to Fenton Street in Rotorua.