Music News - TRN Selects Top Announcers To Spearhead The Future Of Radio
04 January 2014 - 0 Comments
The Radio Network’s (TRN) iHeartRadio and leading radio announcers, Polly Gillespie with Grant Kereama, are set to change the way AM/FM radio has operated in New Zealand. TRN CEO, Jane Hastings says while iHeartRadio is often described as a digital platform it is not an add-on.
“iHeartRadio is at the centre of radio content because it enables us to create and measure new talk and music formats that challenge conventions and deliver fully customised options for listeners and advertisers.”
“We have been trialling different options such as ‘Ultimate Access’ and ‘Rock Anthems’. Ultimate Access connects with 13–18 year olds and is designed and managed by teens. Rock Anthems is designed by Rock Enthusiasts and both are starting to take off given they are targeted and relevant.”
Hastings says it is now time to launch a large scale new iHeartRadio format that integrates across TRN’s stations.
“We are now ready to take the next step in the future of radio. Polly Gillespie is New Zealand’s leading female entertainment broadcaster, personally requested as the interviewer of choice by the stars. This is why Polly will spearhead TRN’s digital music platform with a show that will also feature in various formats across TRN’s stations.”
TRN Chief Content Officer, Dean Buchanan says there is no better person than Gillespie having developed an overwhelming fan base that has extended well beyond her radio waves.
“With Polly’s social media following she has fast become one of New Zealand’s leading female influencers and this move will ensure that her broader fan base can now connect with her across multiple platforms. She operates at a completely different level to other broadcasters and this will enable her to connect in a truly digital multi-media way.
Buchanan says both ‘Polly and Grant’ will have their own iHeartRadio music station The Polly and Grant Show, which will capture the best music and will showcase world leading interviews with stars that will be played out across all TRN stations. This will launch on http://www.iheartradio.co.nz/ January 13 2014.
"Polly and Grant are considered to be amongst the very best radio stars internationally. Polly's incredible warmth, humour and connection with her fans and Grant’s classic Kiwi persona have made them household names that many New Zealanders relate to. Having their own show on the iHeartRadio platform means anyone can listen and connect to them. Featuring this show in various ways across TRN’s stations will be a winning formula.”
Breaking the traditional radio mould versions of The Polly and Grant Show will be able to be heard on TRN brands including ZM, Classic Hits and Newstalk ZB to name a few. Details on times and show formats across these brands will be announced in early 2014. With Polly and Grant’s fan base broadening Buchanan confirmed that their listeners will still be able to connect with them at breakfast, drive and on weekends across TRN’s stations.
Gillespie says she’s very excited about 2014.
“I’m all about new frontiers, I just love the challenge. Radio is changing constantly and we have to not only be up with it, but ahead of it. I’m a big fan of evolution, fashion and change. It’s really exciting and of course a tiny bit scary!”
Gillespie says she’s fascinated by social media.
“I’m intrigued with how it integrates with our lives. Being in contact with listeners and readers is now 24/7. There is no switching off, no closing time and no set hours for listening. We want what we want, who we want, and what we are interested in NOW. Not in six hours, not tomorrow NOW. It’s an on-demand world and we must be on demand everywhere.”
Gillespie believes the world and Kiwis worldwide will come together on iHeartRadio.
“The digital age is completely upon us and embracing the new age feels invigorating and intriguing. Today’s radio is significantly tied in with social media and I love that multi-platform, the immediacy, and the direct communication because it’s instant and constantly moving, so when you combine that with the iHeartRadio platform - BOOM!
“This is a new TRN company direction in fact it’s ground-breaking. Given I’m a competitive, passionate, 100 per cent kind of gal, you can only imagine how excited I am about this move to lead iHeartRadio while still continuing to connect with ZM listeners and reach a broader audience on Classic Hits and ZB.”
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