Classical aficionados condemn axing

Members of Dunedin’s classical musical fraternity have joined the chorus of concern over a plan to remove RNZ Concert from FM frequencies.

The decision, under which RNZ Concert would be moved to AM radio and replaced on FM with an automated non-stop music station aimed at a younger, more diverse audience, has not received a warm welcome.

By 4pm yesterday nearly 12,000 people had signed a petition calling on RNZ to ditch the plan.

Signatories included a strong representation from the South.

Dunedin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) marketing manager Pieter du Plessis said the decision, which he believed came out of the blue, was a big blow for classical listeners and artists.

"Some of our artists, who are now names all over the world, all started here and one way or another were given a platform through the station.

"That will now just disappear."

The station added value to the DSO’s "product" and acted as a medium of communication and connection in the classical industry.

"There are lots of people who might not be able to come to concerts and that demographic is also very important to the classical music fraternity."

He was not alone in his concern.

The University of Otago’s head of performing arts Anthony Ritchie said he had already sent letters expressing his dismay to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Kris Faafoi.

Classical music was enjoyed by all generations and cultures, Mr Ritchie said in his letters.

"We have many students involved in the performance and promulgation of classical music.

"At the high school level, the national event The Big Sing is broadcast on RNZ Concert, and is a hugely popular, multicultural event."

Many people he knew relied on Concert FM as an important part of their mental wellbeing.

"There is a large body of research to show that music is good for mental wellbeing," Mr Ritchie said.

"This decision will have an extremely bad effect on those listeners."

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark tweeted that the marginalisation of RNZ Concert equated to a dumbing down of cultural life in New Zealand.

There was no need to "destroy" Concert to establish youth radio services and broaden audiences.

Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi said he did not listen to Concert regularly and was not necessarily the target audience.

"There's been a fair bit of feedback over the last 48 hours, some of it has been directed to me, some of it has been directed to Radio New Zealand.

"We have outlined some concerns to them last week, and we're working on it. They are, by law, independent in their programming and operation decisions."

RNZ plans to take Concert off FM radio on May 29 and phase in the youth platform before its full launch on August 28.

Announced earlier this week, the move would eliminate 17 jobs at RNZ Music, including all Concert presenter roles, from late March. — additional reporting RNZ

molly.houseman@odt.co.nz