Classic FM is reporting that New Zealand's live-presented classical music radio station RNZ Concert will be replaced by an automated service on AM and digital, with the FM signal being changed to a service featuring popular music to attract younger (18-35) listeners. Since the 1950's Radio New Zealand's classical musis station has been recording interviews and live classical concerts from throughout the country, creating a presence and awareness of orchestras such as the Auckland Symphony and New Zealand Symphony, and New Zealand artists throughout the world.
RNZ Concert will be replaced by "an automated, presenter-less playlist, played in mono on AM, in stereo online and via the country's Freeview digital service." Although symphonic music doesn't sound good on AM mono, classical music lovers will have to get used to it similar to how radio was in the past.
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