New Zealand’s first radio broadcast took place on 17 November 1921 when Professor Robert Jack made the first radio broadcast in New Zealand from Otago University’s physics department. For a week in November, RNZ is going to be celebrating NZ radio history – the milestones, what it means today, and the unforgettable moments and memories.
There will be special programming across RNZ National and RNZ Concert from Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 November, and content available online. Listeners can be involved too, by submitting their own radio memories to www.rnz.co.nz/100years
RNZ CEO and Editor-in-Chief Paul Thompson says that even with the advent of new platforms, radio continues to be a vital source of information and entertainment for many.
“Radio is an incredibly powerful tool for storytelling, and while our Aotearoa on the air programming will look back at some of the significant moments in the history of radio, we can also reflect on the role of radio now and in the future. I believe that radio is going from strength to strength, and at RNZ our integration with digital platforms has enabled us to connect with more New Zealanders than ever,” Thompson said.
RNZ National’s Saturday Morning host Kim Hill will be MC for a special event by the National Library and Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision on the day of the centenary. Voices in the Air will be recorded and broadcast on RNZ National as a Smart Talk at 7pm on 21 November.
Visit www.rnz.co.nz/100years