RADIO NOVA TO KEEP ITS NAME

Press, 22 February 1978, Page 17

RADIO NOVA TO KEEP ITS NAME

It seems Radio Nova will stay Radio Nova in spite of the view of the station’s new programme director (Mr Colin Leh - mann) that it is too nega-

tive and should be changed. The district manager for Radio New Zealand (Mr E. G. Rowell) appeared miffed yesterday, that Mr Lehmann was reported as saying the station shcruld return to “Radio 3ZM.” “There is no likelihood of the name ‘Radio ■ Nova’ disappearing,” said Mr Rowell.

He also objected to Mr Lehmann being described as the new boss of Radio Nova. This is in spite of the Dunedin announcer being appointed Nova’s new programme director and as such having a major hand in deciding what the station broadcasts.

“I am the boss of Radio Nova,” said Mr Rowell. Nova was the name of the BY KEN COATES station and what anyone who worked for it thought about the name made no difference. While the district manager may disagree with his new programme director over the station’s name, what seems all-im-portant are programme decisions aimed at increasing the number of listeners.

Mr Lehmann clearly had some constructive ideas when he spoke from Dunedin. It was also made clear that he was loath to be specific until he had lisstened to Radio Nova Over a period and had consultations with Mr Rowell. Mr Lehmann also said he had made some early suggestions to Mr Rowell. It is to be hoped that he is encouraged in his obvious efforts to improve the way in which Radio Nova serves the public.