3ZB

3ZB was a radio station based in Christchurch, New Zealand. This station was run by Radio New Zealand (formally the NZBS/NZBC/BCNZ) and eventually spawned a second FM station called B98FM. Today 3ZB and B98FM are part of a nationwide networks Newstalk ZB and The Hits

History

Early years

The station was started by Radio New Zealand (which at the time was known as the National Broadcasting Service) in 1937 originally broadcasting on 1110AM. The station was branded from the stations callsign 3ZB. ZB stations were assigned to the four main regions in New Zealand, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. While content was local some network shows were heard such as Aunt Daisy up until 1963. In 1978 the station moved to 1098AM after New Zealand changed from 10khz spacing on the AM band to 9khz spacing.

Switch to FM

3ZB began broadcasting on 96.1FM in 1990 in additional to the 1098AM frequency. For a short period in 1990 the station also broadcast on 93.7FM. In July 1991 broadcasting on 96.1FM was discontinued and at the same time a decision was made to launch a new station on 97.7FM.