‘Enthusiasm’ for Radio Rhema

Press, 10 April 1980, Page 2

‘Enthusiasm’ for Radio Rhema

Radio Rhema had an *’en- : thusiastic” reception from * Wellington listeners when it 1 began its two-month trial < broadcast period during the 1 Easter week-end, according 1 to its public relations officer ! (Mr D. Pflaum). The New Zealand Broadcasting tribunal has given ' the Christchurch-based Christian radio station permission to relay its programme from J a base in Wellington. ‘ Mr Pflaum said that the response in Wellington had been tremendous. One . woman had listened to radio J for the first time in 20 years. ' Bad weather in Wellington ‘ prevented workmen erecting - the station’s 60m mast, and 1

so the first week-end’s broadcast was made with a temporary aerial. Mr Pflaum said that the station? which broadcasts on 1503 kHz, had encountered no problem of interference with other frequencies. This had been a problem in Christchurch, although the Post Office was studying it. A listener survey, similar to one in Christchurch recently, would be done to assess the amount of support for the station and the type of listener. Mr Pflaum said that it was hoped that the station would continue, regardless of success, but the results of the survey might be used to support Rhema’s case for a permanent . broadcasting licence in Wellington. The station aims to establish Christian radio stations throughout New Zealand. Mr Pflaum said that it was proposed to set up a link at Nelson later this year. Rhema also hoped to extend its broadcasting hours, he said.