New Zealand Low Powered FM (LPFM) Online Database
The Radio Heritage Foundation is (very shortly) launching the first online searchable guide to New Zealand’s very active Low Powered FM (LPFM) radio station market.
Since the 1990’s, New Zealanders have been able to create their own low power FM radio stations and begin freely broadcasting on a narrow range of frequencies. Commonly called the ‘guardband’, these frequencies are at the top and bottom ends of the standard FM dial. The power is very low and coverage is usually 5-10km from the transmitter location.
The stations are completely unregulated, as they’re automatically entitled to a GURL [General Users Radio Licence] so long as they meet technical regulations.
Hundreds of such stations have been created, and many have come and gone. Some are still around after a decade. Various attempts to list currently on-air stations have been attempted, but this Radio Heritage Foundation radio station guide is the most extensive because it includes every known LPFM station to have broadcast in over ten years.
LPFM radio reflects a unique part of NZ’s radio heritage. Much like the early days of radio, anyone could go on air. The enthusiasm of a new generation to start their own stations, broadcast their own music and views, and find a space on the airwaves has been startling and successful.
The Radio Heritage Foundation’s exclusive LPFM Radio Guide helps tell these stories. Soon station operators will be able to update their listings and keep everyone informed of latest changes and news.
The Radio Guide is searchable by frequency, radio market and brand name of the station. You’ll be surprised how many stations have been on the air.
Station owners are invited to contact the Radio Heritage Foundation for access to this blog so you can post what’s hot and happening in your neighbourhood.
For now, enjoy the most complete LPFM Radio Guide anywhere, and watch for station news, profiles and more.
(All images © Radio Heritage Foundation Collection)
Hi everyone, My name is Desmond Adams. I also run and operate a LPFM Radio Station in ‘Rotorua’ called “Sulphur FM 88.6, Rotorua’s Phattest Music Mix” We play an extensive range of music from 60’s – 80’s (Weekends only) to todays Hip Hop n RNB flava’s. We also play a olt of “Old Skool” too and new to our station is playing a lot of local bands or individuals music. As well know, getting your music on Radio is a hard thing to accopmlish. We have allowed all sorts of this type of music to play, (FREE OF CHARGE). A new show we will be starting next year, which is already in productions now is a show called “SULPHUR-OKE 08) which is a show that we opened up to the ‘Karaoke’ public here in Vegas. Members os the public get the opportunity to ‘Record’ a Karaoke song of their choice (In our recording studio) and we put it together in a show for public votes and prizes. We have had a huge response from the public and have managed to secure sponsorships for this show too. So just to let you know that we are here and have been since April 2006.Our website to listen online live is: Cheers.