ZGFM
| Company type | Radio broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Fate | Rebranded as The Hits in 2014 |
| Headquarters | Gisborne , New Zealand |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
ZGFM operated as a radio broadcaster based in Gisborne, New Zealand.
Initially launched by Radio New Zealand on the 1010 AM frequency under the call sign 2XG, the station was subsequently renamed 2ZG. Following AM band frequency realignments across New Zealand in 1978, 2ZG moved to 945 AM and adopted the branding The Coaster 2ZG. In the 1990s, the station shifted to 90.9 FM and took on the name ZGFM.
In July 1996, Radio New Zealand's commercial division, which included ZGFM, was divested by the New Zealand Government and acquired by The Radio Network, a company owned jointly by APN News & Media and Clear Channel Communications, functioning within the framework of the Australian Radio Network.
By 1998, The Radio Network integrated its smaller market stations into the Community Radio Network. While ZGFM continued to air a locally produced breakfast show from 6am to 10am, its remaining programming was delivered from centralized studios in Taupo.
The Community Radio Network was disbanded in 2001, leading all affiliated stations to join the Classic Hits FM network. During this change, ZGFM was rebranded as Classic Hits 90.9 ZGFM, preserving local breakfast broadcasts but sourcing other shows from Auckland studios. Meanwhile, the original 945 AM frequency was reassigned to Newstalk ZB.
On 28 April 2014, all Classic Hits stations underwent rebranding to become The Hits. This transition introduced a networked breakfast program hosted by Polly Gillespie and Grant Kareama. The previous local breakfast host moved to a daytime slot from 9am to 3pm, with Connor Ruston providing localized presentation.
ZGFM’s studios were situated at the intersection of Grey Street and Childers Road in Gisborne; this location has since been repurposed into a restaurant and bar.