Newstalk ZB

{{Short description|New Zealand talk radio network}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=February 2012}}{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Infobox radio station | name = Newstalk ZB | logo = Newstalk ZB Logo 2015.jpg | logo_upright = 0.9 | country = NZ | airdate = {{Start date|1926}} | frequency = See {{Section link||Stations}} {{force plural}} | format = News/talk | owner = NZME Radio | webcast = [https://www.iheart.com/live/Newstalk-ZB-6187/?autoplay=true Auckland]<br>[https://www.iheart.com/live/newstalk-zb-wellington-6188/?autoplay=true Wellington]<br>[https://www.iheart.com/live/newstalk-zb-christchurch-6189/?autoplay=true Christchurch] | website = [http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/ Official website]<br>[http://advertising.nzme.co.nz/news/newstalk-zb/ Corporate website] }}

'''Newstalk ZB''' is a nationwide New Zealand talk-radio network operated by NZME Radio. It is available in almost every radio market area in New Zealand, and has news reporters based in many of them. In addition to talkback, the network also broadcasts news, interviews, music, and sports. The network's hosts include Mike Hosking, Kerre Woodham, Matt Heath, Tyler Adams, Heather du Plessis-Allan, Marcus Lush, Ryan Bridge, Andrew Dickens, Jack Tame and Francesca Rudkin. Wellington and Christchurch have a local morning show.

Newstalk ZB operates one of the largest news operations in New Zealand, with over 50 newsreaders, reporters and editors nationwide. It operates a news centre in Auckland, news hubs in Wellington, Christchurch and Parliament, and regional newsrooms in Whangārei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Nelson, Dunedin and Invercargill. Most of Newstalk ZB's programming is produced in the NZME building in Auckland.

==History==

===1926–1987===

The history of Newstalk ZB dates back to 1926 when Auckland station 1ZB was first started initially broadcasting on 1070AM, the station moved to 1090&nbsp;kHz in 1931, 1190&nbsp;kHz<ref name="1933Changes">{{cite web | title = New Wavelengths 1-Dec-1933 | last = Grid Bias | work = The Evening Post | date = 30 November 1933 | url = https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19331130.2.210.2 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200523004500/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19331130.2.210.2 | archive-date = 23 May 2020}}</ref> in 1933 and 1080&nbsp;kHz in 1978. The station's brand name was the station's call sign 1ZB. A ZB station was established in the four main centres of New Zealand as 1ZB Auckland, 2ZB Wellington, 3ZB Christchurch and 4ZB Dunedin. Up until 1987 the four ZB stations were music stations running a mixture of local and networked content. Each other individual station on the Newstalk ZB network has its own history with most stations starting out as a local AM radio run by Radio New Zealand.<ref name=raterace>{{cite web|title=The Rate Race|url=http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/the-rate-race-1987|website=nzonscreen.com|publisher=NZ On Screen|access-date=2 August 2015|format=Television programme}}</ref><ref name=billfranciszb>{{cite book|last1=Francis|first1=Bill|author-link=Bill Francis (broadcaster)|title=ZB: The Voice of an Iconic Radio Station|date=2006|publisher=HarperCollins|location=Auckland|isbn=9780730491866}}</ref>

1ZB originally operated from Broadcasting House, a purpose-built modernist theatre and studio building on Durham Street, from 1941 until its demolition in 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.audioculture.co.nz/scenes/1ZB-radio-theatre-the-art-deco-years|title=1ZB Radio Theatre: the Art Deco years|author=Chris Bourke|date=28 February 2020|publisher=Audioculture}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/44769/broadcasting-house-auckland|title=Broadcasting House, Auckland|publisher=Te Ara / Encyclopedia of New Zealand}}</ref>

===1987–1996=== right|thumb|Newstalk ZB introduced this logo when it adopted its current talkback format in 1987. In the mid 1980s, 1ZB Auckland lost a number of its key on-air personalities to privately owned Radio i, including Merv Smith who had hosted 1ZB's breakfast programme for over twenty years. The station's ratings subsequently plummeted as large numbers of listeners migrated to other stations. In 1987 a decision was made to re-launch 1ZB as a talkback station branded as Newstalk 1ZB. While the change was not popular initially the station showed growth by the end of the first year and by 1989 the breakfast show presented by Paul Holmes was the number one show in Auckland.<ref name=raterace /><ref name=billfranciszb /> In February 1993, in Auckland, Newstalk 1ZB began broadcasting on 89.4 FM as well as the original 1080 AM when local station 89X (formerly 89FM) ceased to operate, Radio New Zealand purchased this station a year earlier and chose to close it down and use the frequency for Newstalk 1ZB. The current Newstalk ZB nationwide 0800 number (0800 80 10 80) actually comes from the original 1080AM frequency in Auckland that is still in use today.<ref name=raterace />

During the late eighties and early nineties Radio New Zealand switched many of their local heritage stations to FM but retained the AM frequency in each region running the same programme on both frequencies. Following the success of the talkback format in Auckland a decision was made to switch 2ZB Wellington and 3ZB Christchurch to a talkback format in 1991. At the same time new FM music stations were established in Wellington and Christchurch, these stations were ''B90 FM'' (Wellington) and ''B98 FM'' (Christchurch). In the early nineties many of the Radio New Zealand local stations that had switched to FM began running morning talkback shows on the AM frequency while continuing to play music on the FM frequency. In 1993 and 1994 the local Radio New Zealand station in some regions were rebranded with the Classic Hits name and the AM frequency was used to roll out the station across New Zealand, it was at this point Newstalk 1ZB was rebranded as Newstalk ZB. Initially those regions that ran local talkback shows on the AM frequency continued to do so and Wellington and Christchurch were initially local versions of Newstalk ZB.<ref name=raterace /><ref name=billfranciszb />

===1996–2002===

In 1996 Radio New Zealand sold their commercial operation and Newstalk ZB, along with Classic Hits and ZM, became part of The Radio Network. In 2001 Newstalk ZB was further expanded into the smaller community markets in New Zealand. The smaller regions did not have their local stations rebranded as Classic Hits during the early nineties and many of these stations were still only broadcasting on AM frequencies. These stations were consolidated together in 1998 to become part of the Community Radio Network, in 2001 all Community Radio Network stations were rebranded as Classic Hits and at this point began broadcasting on FM if the station was already on FM leaving the AM frequency to now be used to broadcast Newstalk ZB. Today most Newstalk ZB stations run complete networked programming, however Wellington and Christchurch still have a local show in the mornings between 9&nbsp;am and 12&nbsp;pm.<ref name=raterace /><ref name=billfranciszb />

===2002–2009===

Newstalk ZB's Auckland audience dropped dramatically in 2002 as music radio stations became more popular, raising questions about the future viability of the network.<ref name=shanahan /> However, in 2013 the station had the highest market share of any commercial station nationwide.<ref name=vyoung>{{cite news|last1=Young|first1=Victoria|title=Newstalk ZB on top – latest figures|url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/newstalk-zb-top-latest-figures-vy-146725|access-date=20 September 2015|agency=National Business Review|date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

Paul Holmes caused controversy in September 2003, after he referred to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan as a "cheeky darkie". Holmes was labelled racist and faced pressure to resign. He issued two nationwide apologies, sent a letter of apology to Annan and met with members of the New Zealand Ghanaian community. The incident also affected his television show, which lost the sponsorship of Mitsubishi Motors.<ref name=hadensaved /> The Radio Network took disciplinary action against him, put their staff through a training seminar on racism run by race relations commissioner Joris de Bres, and a $10,000 donation was made to Save the Children. The Broadcasting Standards Authority refused to uphold 10 complaints against Holmes for the complaint, leading one complainant to appeal the decision in the High Court. On the same breakfast show Holmes asked whether the female journalists were making journalism "ignorant and bitchy", particularly at certain times of the month. The authority found the comments were "insulting and inappropriate" but did not amount to denigrating and discriminating against women journalists.<ref name=walshr>{{cite news|last1=Walsh|first1=Rebecca|title=Holmes 'cheeky darkie' complaints dismissed|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3540638|access-date=20 September 2015|work=The New Zealand Herald|publisher=APN News & Media|date=10 February 2004}}</ref>

Race relations commissioner Joris de Bres received a record number of complaints about the issue, a record later broken by a racially polarising and profanity-laden letter written by Hone Harawira.<ref name=harawiraemail>{{cite news|title=Complaints Over Harawira's Email Put Holmes in the Dark|url=http://www.guide2.co.nz/politics/news/complaints-over-harawira039s-email-put-holmes-in-the-dark/11/12466|access-date=20 September 2015|agency=NZPA|publisher=guide2.co.nz|date=11 November 2009}}</ref> The comment also set a precedent, when former All Black Andy Haden faced calls to resign as a 2011 Rugby World Cup ambassador, after apologising for describing Pacific Island rugby players as "darkies". Prime minister John Key and sports minister Murray McCully said both Haden and Holmes used the word "darkies" in similarly offensive ways, and the public needed to forgive them in similar ways.<ref name=hadensaved>{{cite news|last1=Watkins|first1=Tracey|title=Haden saved by Holmes' cheeky darky|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/3759767/Haden-saved-by-Holmes-cheeky-darky|access-date=20 September 2015|agency=The Press|publisher=Fairfax New Zealand|date=31 May 2010}}</ref>

Artist Ralph Hotere responded to Holmes' "cheeky darky" comment with a series of artworks. One, ''White Drip to Mister Paul Holmes'', was a 2.7-metre long piece of corrugated iron painted in black, with a drip of white paint extending nearly the full length of the work. 'To Mister Paul Holmes' is stenciled on the top of the piece, which is now one of his signature works.<ref name=majorhotere>{{cite news|title=Major Hotere exhibition at Hocken Library to honour 80th birthday|url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago020234.html|access-date=20 September 2015|publisher=Otago University|date=5 July 2011}}</ref> Holmes was apologetic and regretful about using the phrase, but later argued there was a fine line between humour and offense.<ref name=holmesfine>{{cite news|last1=Holmes|first1=Paul|title=Paul Holmes: A fine line between funny and vulgar|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10656316|access-date=20 September 2015|work=The New Zealand Herald|publisher=APN News & Media|date=4 July 2010}}</ref> The phrase featured on a commemorative tea towel,<ref name=teatowel>{{cite web|title=Cheeky Darky Tea Towel|url=http://www.mrvintage.co.nz/cheeky-darky-tea-towel.html|website=mrvintage.co.nz|publisher=Mr Vintage|access-date=20 September 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232036/http://www.mrvintage.co.nz/cheeky-darky-tea-towel.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and fellow broadcaster John Hawkesby remembered Holmes as a "cheeky little whitey" at his funeral in 2013.<ref name=cheekywhitey>{{cite news|title=Holmes, the 'cheeky little whitey', farewelled|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8276540/Holmes-the-cheeky-little-whitey-farewelled|access-date=20 September 2015|agency=Stuff (company)|publisher=Fairfax New Zealand|date=8 February 2013}}</ref>

Holmes left his morning breakfast show at the end of 2008, and was succeeded in the role by Mike Hosking.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/high-rating-holmes-prepares-to-leave-zb/MUVCM5K3CQPMMW2NMXSBE6F6EM/|title=High-rating Holmes prepares to leave ZB|date=29 November 2008|website=The New Zealand Herald }}</ref>

===2009–2011=== [[File:Radio Network House implosion.ogv|thumb|right|The Christchurch Newstalk ZB building was imploded after it sustained major damage in the 2012 earthquake.]]

The network went through a process of restructuring during the 2008 financial crisis, removing one reporter position in the Parliamentary press gallery, one position in Wellington, one position in Auckland, and five reporting, hosting and producing roles in Christchurch.<ref name=jobcuts2009>{{cite news|title=Jobs cut at Newstalk ZB|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612984|access-date=20 September 2015|agency=NZPA|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=2 December 2009}}</ref> The Christchurch local news and sport bulletins and local morning show were later reintroduced, with NZME investing $7.8 million for a 17-year license for its 100.1 FM Christchurch frequency.<ref name=radiorivals>{{cite news|last1=Drinnan|first1=John|title=John Drinnan: Radio rivals play a pricey game|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11369337|access-date=20 September 2015|work=The New Zealand Herald|publisher=NZME|date=5 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=talkbackchrislynch>{{cite news|last1=Matthews|first1=Philip|title=Talkback's Chris Lynch|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/9832173/Talkbacks-Chris-Lynch|access-date=20 September 2015|agency=The Press|work=Stuff (company)|date=15 March 2014}}</ref>

Following the Christchurch earthquake on 4 September 2010 and the major aftershock on 22 February 2011 programming in Christchurch was greatly affected. After both earthquakes the station broadcast in place of other radio stations in Christchurch operated by The Radio Network, the local studios located in Worcester Street in Christchurch were evacuated. Local news services in Christchurch were replaced temporarily with the network news feed which mostly contained news stories related to the quake heard by all of New Zealand. Local news readers reported news about the quake for all of New Zealand.<ref name=talkbackchrislynch />

The local morning show remained on the air but was broadcast from a temporary location. Following the first earthquake this was at the Whitebait Studios in Christchurch, and following the earthquake in February it was a hotel in Christchurch. The Radio Network Christchurch never returned to their Worcester Street premises and eventually set up in a new location. The building was taken down in August 2012, in New Zealand's first ever controlled building demolition with explosives.<ref name=talkbackchrislynch />

===2011–present===

The TNS T2 2013 commercial radio survey showed the network had 11.4% of audiences aged over 10, and had the most listened-to breakfast show in the country. It came as Rachel Smalley became host of the newly created Early Edition programme.<ref name="vyoung"/> The same survey in 2014 showed Newstalk ZB lost 0.3% market share but gained 7,600 listeners during a time when other NZME radio stations were in decline.<ref name=gibsonc>{{cite news|last1=Gibson|first1=Campbell|title=Radio survey results: changes cause slight slip for NZME. stations but Newstalk ZB still supreme|url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/radio-survey-results-nzme-changes-cause-slight-drop-newstalk-zb-still-number-one-cg-p-163456|access-date=20 September 2015|agency=National Business Review|date=3 October 2014}}</ref> It has also been observed that ZB and Mai FM are the only stations that can be received by car radios in used imported cars from Japan — of which New Zealand is a large market – due to the Japanese FM band spanning 76–90&nbsp;MHz instead of the standard 88–108&nbsp;MHz band.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3561512|title=City's ears like Mai FM|author=Alan Perrott|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=22 April 2004}}</ref>

Host Rachel Smalley apologised in April 2014 after describing New Zealand women over 72 kilograms as "heifers" and a "bunch of lardos" during an ad break when she believed her microphone was off. The comments were reported and criticised in several local and international media outlets, including news.com.au and the Daily Mail.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11231666 |title=Shelley Bridgeman: Why did Rachel Smalley say that? |date=4 April 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/television/diana-wichtel-making-a-mockery/ |title=Diana Witchel: Making a Mockery |work=New Zealand Listener |date=10 April 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/television-presenter-rachel-smalley-apologises-after-calling-new-zealand-women-heifers-and-a-bunch-of-lardos-while-on-air/story-e6frfmyi-1226872014677 |title=Television presenter Rachel Smalley apologises |publisher=News.com.au |year=2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> In a tearful apology the following morning, she described her comments as deeply offensive, stupid and judgemental and said she deeply regretted her choice of words.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/9894903/Rachel-Smalley-calls-Kiwi-women-bunch-of-lardos |title=Rachel Smalley calls Kiwi women a bunch of lardos |work=Stuff (company) |date=2 April 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> The Broadcasting Standards Authority rejected complaints against the comments, saying they were neither calculated nor deliberate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/10500892/Rachel-Smalley-lardos-complaint-rejected |title=Rachel Smalley lardos complaint rejected |work=Stuff (company) |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref>

Blogger Cameron Slater was a regular commentator on the drive programme for several years, and has been both critical and supportive of the station's positions in the past.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/tag/newstalk-zb/ |title=Whale Oil on Newstalk ZB |publisher=Cameron Slater |year=2014 |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-date=31 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131181300/http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/tag/newstalk-zb/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/whaleoil/videos |title=Whale Oil on You Tube |publisher=Cameron Slater |year=2015 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/07/mike-hosking-cunliffe-lights-nobodys-home/ |title=Mike Hosking: Cunliffe lights nobody's home |publisher=July 2014 |date=21 July 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-date=31 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131181253/http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2014/07/mike-hosking-cunliffe-lights-nobodys-home/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2013, the Broadcasting Standards Authority rejected complaints against Slater over his suggestions that openly gay Labour MP Grant Robertson "enjoys being stabbed from behind" – and Newstalk ZB defended what they argued was "robust, irreverent, edgy" debate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_14240.php |title=Slater's Robertson jibe cleared by BSA |publisher=GayNZ.com |date=25 November 2013 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> In 2014, he participated in a series of one-hour pre-election panel discussions on the drive programme. He retained the position following the release of the Nicky Hager book Dirty Politics. However, left-wing commentators called for him to be taken off-air or resign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yournz.org/2014/10/21/more-digging-in-a-dirty-hole/ |title=More Digging in a Dirty Hole |publisher=Your New Zealand |date=21 October 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bat-bean-beam.blogspot.co.nz/2014/10/dirty-journalism.html |title=Dirty Journalism |author=Giovanni Tiso |date=October 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pantograph-punch.com/post/dirty-politics |title=Dirty Politics |publisher=Pantograph Punch |date=19 November 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref>

According to Lonely Planet in 2014, the station provided a forum for "the most lively discussions on New Zealand issues".<ref name=lonelyplanet>{{cite book|last1=Atkinson|first1=Brett|last2=Bennett|first2=Sarah|last3=Rawlings-Way|first3=Charles|last4=Slater|first4=Lee|title=Lonely Planet: New Zealand's North Island|date=1 September 2014|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1743602324}}</ref> Conspiracy theorists,<ref name=vinnykerrewoodham>{{cite web|last1=Eastwood|first1=Vinny|title=Vinny with kerre Woodham Hacks mainstream air time on Newstalk ZB!|url=http://thevinnyeastwoodshow.com|publisher=The Vinny Eastwood Show|access-date=2 August 2015}}</ref> veganism advocates,<ref name=callaboutveganism>{{cite web|title=Newstalk ZB Wellington Call about "Veganism", actually Evolution|url=https://archive.org/details/NewstalkZbWellingtonCallAboutveganismActualyEvolution|website=archive.org|publisher=Internet Archive|access-date=2 August 2015}}</ref> victims of sexual assault,<ref name=nzpolicecalltozb>{{cite web|title="RoastBusters" – call to Newstalk ZB talkback|url=http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/roastbusters-call-newstalk-zb-talkback|website=police.govt.nz|publisher=New Zealand Police|access-date=2 August 2015|date=7 November 2013}}</ref> and housing activists have called talkback. Regular callers include an urban Māori man, a state housing beneficiary, a security guard, a Timaru pensioner, a West Coast grandmother, a dairy farmer, a Dutch butcher and several taxi drivers.<ref name=charactersofzb>{{cite web|last1=Roxborough|first1=Tim|title=The Characters of Newstalk ZB|url=http://roxboroghreport.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/the-characters-of-newstalk-zb-including.html|website=Roxborough Report|publisher=Tim Roxborough|access-date=2 August 2015|date=18 January 2015}}</ref>

In late September 2023, NZME launched ZB Plus, a digital subscription publication. Blogger Philip Crump, known by his pseudonymous political blogging, was named as the editor.<ref>{{cite web |title=NZME launches new digital subscription platform ZB PLUS |url=https://www.nzme.co.nz/news/nzme-launches-new-digital-subscription-platform-zb-plus/ |publisher=NZME |access-date=14 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114042248/https://www.nzme.co.nz/news/nzme-launches-new-digital-subscription-platform-zb-plus/ |archive-date=14 November 2023 |date=26 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sowmand-Lund |first1=Stewart |title=ZB boss discussed possible relationship with founders of The Platform |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/09-11-2023/zb-boss-discussed-possible-relationship-with-founders-of-the-platform |access-date=14 November 2023 |work=The Spinoff |date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114041616/https://thespinoff.co.nz/media/09-11-2023/zb-boss-discussed-possible-relationship-with-founders-of-the-platform |archive-date=14 November 2023}}</ref> Contributors included former MPs Muriel Newman and Katherine Rich, NZME head of business Fran O'Sullivan and former businessman and podcaster Bruce Cotterill. The publication's most notable set of stories reported on shoplifting allegations against former MP Golriz Ghahraman. By late June 2024, the website had been folded back into the ''New Zealand Herald''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Tim |title=ZB Plus is minus a voice as NZME ends a revolution |url=https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/06/26/zb-plus-is-minus-new-content-and-subscriptions/ |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Newsroom |date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626064045/https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/06/26/zb-plus-is-minus-new-content-and-subscriptions/ |archive-date=26 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

== News == Newstalk ZB operates Newstalk ZB News from its Auckland news centre, producing live bulletins for the national ZB network. Wellington and Christchurch both broadcast live local news bulletins during the breakfast show, Auckland has live local bulletins at 7.00am and 8.00am, and other stations carry network bulletins every half-hour from 5am to 12am and hourly from 12am to 5am. Regional newsrooms previously provided each station with local news segments during the breakfast show. Newstalk ZB's pip sting, headlines segmented bulletin structure and "Keep up with Newstalk ZB" tagline were removed in December 2014, replaced with a single continuous bulletin, new theme music and "Now You're in the Now" tagline.<ref name=newnewssting>{{cite web|last1=Lake|first1=Dan|title=AUDIO: New news sting for Newstalk ZB|url=http://dannews.co.nz/2014/12/28/audio-new-news-sting-for-newstalk-zb/|website=dannews.co.nz|publisher=Dan News|access-date=2 August 2015|date=28 December 2014}}</ref>

The news service covers stories, from industrial relations to prisoner rehabilitation.<ref name=firstunion>{{cite web|title=Newstalk ZB First Union|url=http://www.firstunion.org.nz/external-media/newstalk-zb|website=firstunion.org.nz|publisher=First Union|access-date=2 August 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924013331/http://www.firstunion.org.nz/external-media/newstalk-zb|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=parsretirees>{{cite web|title=Newstalk ZB: Retirees called to help ex-prisoners|url=http://www.pars.co.nz/our-news/2014/3/26/newstalk-zb-retirees-called-to-help-ex-prisoners/|website=pars.co.nz|publisher=PARS Incorporated|access-date=2 August 2015|archive-date=21 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121105707/http://pars.co.nz/our-news/2014/3/26/newstalk-zb-retirees-called-to-help-ex-prisoners/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It extensively covers crime and court proceedings, but was criticised for publishing a wire story about the verdict against lawyer Davina Murray in 2013.<ref name=mediafindsdavina>{{cite news|last1=Anderson|first1=Jock|title=Media find Davina Murray guilty|url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/media-find-davina-murray-guilty-ja-p-143265|access-date=2 August 2015|agency=nbr.co.nz|publisher=National Business Review|date=24 July 2013}}</ref><ref name=guiltynotsofast>{{cite web|last1=Slater|first1=Cameron|title=Guilty? Not so fast|url=http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2013/07/guilty-not-so-fast/|website=whaleoil.co.nz|publisher=Whale Oil|access-date=2 August 2015|date=24 July 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095701/http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2013/07/guilty-not-so-fast/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Network weekday newsreaders include Niva Retimanu (Breakfast), Malcolm Jordan (Mornings), Raylene Ramsay (Afternoons), and Alistair Wilkinson (Evening/Overnight).

=== History ===

Newstalk ZB News began as Independent Radio News (IRN), a news service played on most independently owned and operated radio stations in New Zealand during the 1980s and 1990s. The majority of New Zealand radio stations not owned by Radio New Zealand (RNZ) used this news and sport service usually followed by the station's own local news and weather forecast.

In 1996 RNZ sold its commercial operation and The Radio Network (TRN) was formed, at the time TRN purchased IRN. TRN branded the news service on its own stations as ''Radio Network News'' while the news service continued to be called IRN on stations not owned by TRN despite the news coming from the same place. RNZ continued to operate its own news service on RNZ National and RNZ Concert, the two non-commercial stations that were not sold.

By 2000 a large number of independent radio stations had been taken over by RadioWorks, which did not want to pay for a news service operated by its main competitor and chose to start their own news service. After CanWest purchased RadioWorks the news service became known as the Global News Service (Global is the same name as Television network in Canada operated by CanWest), and in early 2005 it was again renamed to Radio Live News.<ref name=shanahan>{{cite book|title=The Great New Zealand Radio Experiment|author=Morris William Shanahan, Karen Neill|pages=175|year=2005|publisher=Thomson/Dunmore Press |isbn=0170124800|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rEq27qhOdDwC&pg=PA175|access-date=8 January 2008}}</ref> Similarly, IRN News later became Newstalk ZB News.

Since 2016 a single news bulletin sourced from the NZME newsroom is heard on every NZME radio station (apart from Newstalk ZB) during breakfast and other parts of the day.

=== Affiliate Service ===

The Newstalk ZB Affiliates Unit is based in the Auckland newsroom, and records a variety of hourly bulletins for other stations of NZME Radio and sells its bulletins to a number of external clients including Radio 1XX – One Double-X in Whakatane and the Eastern Bay of Plenty.{{Citation needed|date=September 2017}}

==Stations== right|thumb|This is a map of the NZME-owned frequencies for Newstalk ZB. These are the frequencies for Newstalk ZB: {{div col}} * Kaitaia – Maungataniwha – 105.1 FM * Kaikohe – Ōhaeawai – 1215 AM * Whangārei – Otaika – 1026 AM, 729 AM * Auckland – Henderson – 1080 AM * Auckland – Sky Tower – 89.4 FM * Waikato – Eureka – 1296 AM * Waikato – Ruru – 97.0 FM * Tokoroa – Wiltsdown – 1413 AM * Bay of Plenty – Paengaroa – 1008 AM * Bay of Plenty – Kopukairua – 90.2 FM * Rotorua – Pukepoto – 94.3 FM * Taupō – Tuhingamata – 96.0 FM * Gisborne – Wainui – 945 AM * Taranaki – Mount Taranaki – 96.4 FM * Taranaki – Kaimata – 774 AM * South Taranaki – Hawera Rotokare – 1557 AM * Hawke's Bay – Pakowhai – 1278 AM * Hawke's Bay – Mount Threave – 90.3 FM * Whanganui – Kaitoke – 1197 AM * Manawatū – Wharite – 100.2 FM * Wairarapa - Masterton (Otahoua) - 103.9 FM * Kāpiti Coast – Forest Heights – 89.5 FM * Wellington – Tītahi Bay – 1035 AM * Wellington – Kaukau – 89.3 FM * Blenheim – Cavalier House – 92.1 FM * Nelson - Grampians - 106.4 FM * Nelson - 1341 AM * Westport – Cape Foulwind – 1287 AM * Westport – Waterworks Road – 95.7 FM * Greymouth/Hokitika – Paparoa – 103.5 FM * Greymouth & Hokitika 105.9 FM * Christchurch – Ouruhia – 1098 AM * Christchurch – Marshland – 1017 AM * Christchurch – Sugarloaf – 100.1 FM * Ashburton – Winchmore – 873 AM * Ashburton – Somerset House – 98.1 FM * Timaru – Fairview West – 1152 AM * Oamaru – Weston – 1395 AM * Wānaka – Mount Maude – 90.6 FM * Queenstown – Peninsula Hill – 89.6 FM * Alexandra – Obelisk – 95.1 FM * Dunedin – Mt Cargill - 106.2 FM * Dunedin – Highcliff Road – 1044 AM * Southland - Hedgehope - 105.2 FM * Southland – Dacre – 864 AM {{div col end}}

The Newstalk ZB programme was simulcast on the former Radio Sport network frequencies following the closure of that network on 30 March 2020. There were break-outs for Super Rugby Aotearoa<ref name="ZBSport2">{{cite web | title = Live sport returns to New Zealand radio on Newstalk ZB | work = The New Zealand Herald | date = 8 June 2020 | url =https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12338187 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200609075958/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12338187 | archive-date = 9 June 2020}}</ref> and selected ANZ Premiership netball match commentaries on the following Newstalk ZB Sport branded frequencies:<ref name="ZBSport">{{cite web | title = Newstalk ZB Sport | publisher = NZME Radio | url = https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/rugby-and-netball-returns-to-nz-radio | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200609070013/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/rugby-and-netball-returns-to-nz-radio/ | archive-date = 9 June 2020}}</ref>

{{div col}} * Whangārei – 729 AM * Auckland – 1332 AM * Hamilton – 792 AM * Tauranga – 1521 AM * Rotorua – 1350 AM * Taupō – 107.7 FM * New Plymouth – 774 AM * Napier – 1125 AM * Wanganui – 1062 AM * Manawatū – 1089 AM * Wairarapa – 87.6 FM * Wellington – 1503 AM * Nelson – 549 AM * Blenheim – 98.5 FM * Westport – 91.7 FM * Greymouth – 89.9 FM * Christchurch – 1503 AM * Ashburton – 702 AM * Timaru – 1494 AM * Dunedin – 693 AM * Invercargill – 558 AM {{div col end}}

The former Radio Sport frequencies were rebranded as Gold AM<ref name="Gold">{{cite news|title=NZME eyes powerful demographic with launch of Gold radio station|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12341740|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=22 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="GoldFreq">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gold.co.nz/|title=Home Page|website=Gold}}</ref> on 1 July 2020. The network was rebranded Gold Sport in May 2025. Following its rebrand to iHeart Country in May 2026, GOLD Sport's live sports commentaries moved to select AM frequencies branded as ''Newstalk ZB Sport''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Newstalk ZB Sport: Live Commentary Schedule |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/newstalk-zb-sport-your-home-of-live-commentary |access-date=2026-05-04 |website=www.newstalk.co.nz |language=en}}</ref>

==Other services==

===Timesaver Traffic===

The Newstalk ZB Timesaver Traffic Centre produces and records traffic updates for all New Zealand Media and Entertainment stations. These updates for Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Wellington & Christchurch air every 15 minutes during peak breakfast and drive time slots, and hourly throughout the day and weekend on Newstalk ZB.

===Promotions===

Newstalk ZB runs regular promotions for movie previews and local events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/competitions/ |title=Newstalk ZB Competitions |publisher=New Zealand Media and Entertainment |year=2015 |access-date=16 January 2015}}</ref> The network has sponsored a range of events – from Variety, the Children's Charity special children's parties and food bank events, through to musical tours from bands like The Feelers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sccpnz.co.nz/pack/wai_bro.pdf |title=2014 Waikato Special Children's Party |publisher=TRN-SCCP |date=January 2015 |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-date=14 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114000948/http://www.sccpnz.co.nz/pack/wai_bro.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lowerhuttfoodbank.org.nz/webapps/i/109314/396338/586168 |title=Newstalk ZB Sponsored Food Drive |publisher=Lower Hutt Foodbank |date=24 November 2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nzmusic.org.nz/news/artist/newstalk-zb-presents-heatwave-a-summer-series-of-n/ |title=Heatwave – A summer series |publisher=NZ Music |date=25 October 2012 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> Its on-air competitions include breakfast giveway campaigns like the ASB All I Want For Christmas contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.asb.co.nz/posts/2014/12/asb-s-all-i-want-for-christmas-competition.html |title=All I Want For Christmas |publisher=ASB Bank |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> Over several years, Newstalk ZB has given funding and support to Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, visiting international productions and local theatre companies.<ref>John Smythe (2004). Downstage Upfront: The First 40 Years of New Zealand's Longest-running Professional Theatre, Wellington: Victoria University Press.</ref><ref>Ania Loomba, Martin Orkin (2013). Post-Colonial Shakespeares, London: Routledge.</ref> It also supports the work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service operated by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, primarily through advertising and awareness-raising.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rescuehelicopter.org.nz/our-sponsors |title=Our Sponsors |publisher=Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust |year=2013 |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-date=13 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113141436/http://rescuehelicopter.org.nz/our-sponsors |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Notices and cancellations===

ZB stations have a long-running history of running notices for events and community groups. Cancellations for club and school sports events and recreation clubs have traditionally been broadcast every 30 minutes during breakfast in many markets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/whats-on/ |title=Newstalk ZB What's On |publisher=Newstalk ZB |year=2014 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsground.co.nz/ppsc/43188/4 |title=Sports Ground – Cancellations |publisher=Paremata Plimmerton Softball Club |year=2007 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref>

===Website===

The Newstalk ZB website combines on-demand content with breaking news coverage. The network's Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch streams are all available on the iHeartRadio website and app.<ref name="iheartzb">{{cite web|url=http://www.iheart.com/live/Newstalk-ZB-Auckland-6187 |title=Newstalk ZB on iHeart |publisher=iHeartRadio |year=2015 |access-date=16 January 2015}}</ref>

== Reception == In August 2024, ''The New Zealand Herald'' reported that Newstalk ZB's breakfast show's cumulative audience had increased from under 400,000 in early 2020 to 445,300 in 2024. Newstalk ZB had 277,900 listeners in Auckland, doubling public competitor Radio New Zealand's Morning Report's in that city. The ''Herald'' attributed the radio station's competitive edge over Radio NZ to the popularity of its breakfast hosts Mike Hosking and Paul Holmes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Currie |first1=Shayne |title=Media Insider: TVNZ removes Casketeers episode; RNZ radio ratings languish; Big challenge facing Stuff-Warner Bros Discovery's 6pm TV3 news; Herald reviews AI policies |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-tvnz-removes-casketeers-episode-rnz-radio-ratings-languish-big-challenge-facing-stuff-warner-bros-discoverys-6pm-tv3-news-herald-reviews-ai-policies/DMHIVLUE6NAKPHFXNUBDEVYOAM/ |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=9 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813094737/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-tvnz-removes-casketeers-episode-rnz-radio-ratings-languish-big-challenge-facing-stuff-warner-bros-discoverys-6pm-tv3-news-herald-reviews-ai-policies/DMHIVLUE6NAKPHFXNUBDEVYOAM/ |archive-date=13 August 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+Newstalk ZB commercial radio ratings (May 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surveys & Research |url=https://www.rba.co.nz/surveys-research |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=Radio Broadcasters Association |language=en}}</ref> !Market !Station share !Change !Rank |- |'''All markets''' |'''14.5''' |'''{{fluc|0.4}}''' |'''1''' |- |Auckland |14.6 |{{fluc|+0.1}} |1 |- |Christchurch |15.3 |{{fluc|+0.4}} |1 |- |Wellington |16.3 |{{fluc|0.7}} |1 |- |Waikato |13.9 |{{fluc|0.5}} |1 |- |Tauranga |16.0 |{{fluc|1.8}} |1 |- |Manawatū |12.7 |{{fluc|-0.7}} |1 |- |Hawke's Bay |14.8 |{{fluc|+2.8}} |1 |- |Northland |9.9 |{{fluc|-1.6}} |3 |- |Dunedin |13.3 |{{fluc|-1.6}} |1 |- |Taranaki |13.2 |{{fluc|0}} |1 |- |Nelson |11.7 |{{fluc|-4.0}} |1 |- |Southland |8.9 |{{fluc|0.3}} |4 |- |Rotorua |8.0 |{{fluc|0.2}} |6 |}

== Controversy == === Broadcasting standards breaches === In November 1995, Newstalk ZB was found by the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) to have breached broadcasting standards when talkback host Chris Carter made comments undermining respect for the legal system during a segment involving a caller subject to a court-ordered anger management course. The host suggested ways to evade the order, disparaged legal aid lawyers as “Woolworths lawyers,” and criticised the judiciary, prompting the BSA to rule that the broadcast breached the requirement to respect the principles of law. As a result, the station was ordered to broadcast a summary of the decision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-11-09 |title=Maguire and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 1995-115 |url=https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/decision-number-1995-115/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=Broadcasting Standards Authority |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

In May 2002, the BSA upheld a complaint against Newstalk ZB after talkback host Leighton Smith referred to a group of protesters outside a Hamilton school as "mongrels" and "a pack of mongrels." While the Authority found the comments did not breach standards relating to discrimination, it ruled that the language used was offensive and breached the requirement for good taste and decency. As a result, Newstalk ZB was ordered to broadcast a statement explaining why the complaint was upheld.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-05-09 |title=Smith and The Radio Network Ltd - 2002-058 |url=https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/smith-and-the-radio-network-ltd-trn-2002-058/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=Broadcasting Standards Authority |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

In September 2004, the BSA upheld a complaint against Newstalk ZB over comments made by Paul Holmes on ''Paul Holmes Breakfast'', broadcast on 2 April that year. Referring to rape allegations involving Australian rugby league players, Holmes described women who socialised with the players as “moles” and implied they were “asking for trouble.” The BSA ruled that the remarks denigrated women, reinforced harmful stereotypes about sexual assault, and did not qualify as serious comment or legitimate humour. Newstalk ZB was ordered to broadcast a statement summarising the decision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-09-02 |title=Whitla and The Radio Network Ltd - 2004-104 |url=https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/whitla-and-the-radio-network-ltd-2004-104/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=Broadcasting Standards Authority |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

In April 2019, the BSA upheld two complaints about ''Wellington Mornings with Heather du Plessis-Allan'', broadcast on 4 September 2018. During the programme, Heather du Plessis-Allan referred to Pacific Island nations as “leeches,” prompting complaints under several standards. The BSA found the comments breached the good taste and decency and discrimination and denigration standards, stating they were inflammatory, devalued Pasifika people, and had the potential to cause widespread offence. The BSA ordered Newstalk ZB to broadcast a statement and to pay $3,000 in costs to the Crown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-02 |title=Day & Moss and NZME Radio Ltd - 2018-090 (2 April 2019) |url=https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/day-and-moss-and-nzme-radio-ltd-2018-090-2-april-2019 |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=Broadcasting Standards Authority |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-04 |title=Breach upheld over Kiwi talkback host Heather du Plessis-Allan's Pacific leeches comments |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/386314/breach-upheld-over-kiwi-talkback-host-heather-du-plessis-allan-s-pacific-leeches-comments |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}</ref>

In April 2024, the BSA upheld a complaint regarding ''Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby'', broadcast on 19 June 2023. The complaint concerned Kate Hawkesby’s comments about the Equity Adjustor Score used in Auckland’s surgical waitlist system. She claimed that Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery based on ethnicity. The BSA found this portrayal misleading, as ethnicity was only one of five factors used, and not the sole or determining one. The BSA also found the comments breached the discrimination and denigration standard by reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Newstalk ZB was ordered to broadcast a statement and pay $1,500 in costs to the Crown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-08 |title=Wilson and NZME Radio Ltd - 2023-085 (8 April 2024) |url=https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/wilson-and-nzme-radio-ltd-2023-085-8-april-2024 |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=Broadcasting Standards Authority |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-26 |title='Misleading', 'inflammatory': ZB host censured over Māori, Pacific health comments |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/newstalk-zb-host-kate-hawkesby-breached-broadcasting-standards-over-maori-pacific-health-comments-nzme-ordered-to-pay-1500-broadcasting-standards-authority/4SUR7DBTQBHCJB5FGROBDWRERA/ |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|30em}} {{New Zealand Media and Entertainment}} {{Radio in New Zealand}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Newstalk ZB}} Category:Newstalk ZB Category:Articles containing video clips Category:News and talk radio stations in New Zealand Category:1926 establishments in New Zealand Category:Radio stations established in 1926