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The AM Network is a network of radio transmitters operated by Radio New Zealand, which broadcasts Radio New Zealand Parliament and Southern Star Network. The transmitters were previously used by The Concert Programme before it moved to FM broadcasting. While the rest of Radio New Zealand is funded entirely by New Zealand on Air, the AM Network is funded entirely by the Parliament of New Zealand with an obligation to broadcast the Parliament whenever it sits. These live broadcasts are branded as Radio New Zealand Parliament.[1] Sitting hours are seasonal, and may be extended due to certain circumstances, but sitting hours are generally within five weekly sessions.[2] These are: - 14:00 and 18:00 Tuesdays
- 19:30 and 22:00 Tuesdays
- 14:00 and 18:00 Wednesdays
- 19:30 and 22:00 Wednesdays
- 14:00 and 18:00 Thursdays
Like Radio New Zealand National, Radio New Zealand Concert and Radio New Zealand International, Radio New Zealand Parliament is streamed online, with podcasts and transcripts also available. However, unlike the other brands it is not twenty four hours, does not have continuity announcers and does not broadcast any Radio New Zealand News bulletins. In order for the New Zealand Parliament to recoup some of the costs of funding a radio station network, Radio New Zealand has leased the remaining closedown hours on the station to Christian broadcaster Rhema Broadcasting Group (RBG) since 1997. RBG set up the low-budget easy listening Southern Star Network to take advantage of this opportunity. The network appeals to a similar older demographic as the Concert Programme that previously used the frequencies, and allows RBG's flagship broadcaster New Zealand's Rhema to specialise in broadcasting a more modern mix of Christian contemporary music at a faster pace.[3] Although AM Network is owned by Radio New Zealand, Southern Star broadcasts Newstalk ZB Affiliates Unit hourly news bulletins during the air time they lease.[4] Frequencies The AM Network broadcasts across four frequencies in the North Island. These are: The AM Network also broadcasts on three frequencies in the South Island, including an Invercargill frequency added in 2007.[1] These are: References External links
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