FM swells market

Press, 12 May 1981, Page 21

FM swells market

New, with FM radio! Those will soon become familiar advertising terms, as audio manufacturers fill the market in anticipation of the introduction of Frequency Modulated (stereo) radio to New Zealand. Inquiries yesterday showed that five had just introduced, were importing, or manufacturing new items that included FM radio. The Broadcasting Tribunal is studying submissions about FM. in preparation for a full Government public inquiry, so public interest in the subject is high. “I would now not be in-

terested in buying a stereo of any description if it did not have FM radio in it,” said a buyer for a leading Christchurch department store yesterday. His view that customers were very aware of FM, and sought appliances that could receive it. was echoed by other stores. Most New Zealand made stereo systems now have dual AM-FM radio, but the situation was very different two years ago. “Now. you cannot get the sales without having everything in.” said one salesman. This week Pye introduced

three models boasting "new" FM — a stereo system, a clock radio, and a combination mini-television and radio.

A Christchurch firm, Brandt Electronics, will promote a new clock-radio, with FM. next week; Autocrat has a new car radio-cassette with provision for stereo radio; Philips will introduce a new stereo and digital clockradio; and Fountain’s latest range of music centres with FM w’ent on sale last month. Once customers have their FM receivers, they will eagerly await the day when they can use them.