Kiss-FM is back on air following an online-only re-launch, with its owner, Mount Maunganui resident Max Christoffersen, saying it's live again for music lovers.

The station had a brief hiatus after a bid to get a new FM license failed in 2011 with the government requiring more than $100,000 for it.

Kiss-FM is streaming live through Facebook.

To beat the license problem and to be able to continue providing a local radio station for Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, he shifted the operation online.

Listen to Kiss-FM here: www.facebook.com/pages/KISS-FM-Streaming-Audio/

'This new streaming link also provides compatibility with iPhones, iPads and Blackberry phones,” says Max.

'The new Facebook streaming is a first in the Bay as most streaming is done through private websites – not the public domain of Facebook.”

Max would like to return Kiss-FM to the regular airwaves, along with the new web innovation, but says the economic climate and changes in listener demand mean this is unlikely.

'Government continues to apply ‘old-world' economic and broadcast standards where FM radio frequency allocation is concerned.

'Radio is not in the same position as it was during the glory days of the past. 'Wellington is out of touch with the economic and broadcast reality of modern radio.”

Max says the 1989 Broadcasting Act is showing its age having been created before the web became a part of the day-to-day business of broadcasting.

He says it's time to create a new licence category for medium power broadcasters.

'The 1989 Broadcasting Act doesn't allow for community radio to grow and develop because there is no FM licence that provides for a step-up.

'It's either LPFM (low power) hobby radio or a ‘six figure' spend for a full power licence which community stations can't afford.
'The Broadcasting Act has to be updated to recognise the changed broadcast, advertising and economic conditions.”

Kiss-FM won't return to the airwaves as an LPFM station due to interference with other small stations and the constraints of low power means the station could only be heard cleanly at Mount Maunganui.

Supporters of the station wrote to the government prior to the election seeking a way forward for the station, but were met with what Max describes as ‘Wellington red tape'.

'We're being told by the minister why we can't broadcast.

'What I want to see from the new broadcasting Minister, Craig Foss, is the same level of innovation, positive creativity and inspiration in his work as his party is seeking from the private business sector.

'Don't tell me why I can't broadcast. Tell me how I can.”

Max says Kiss-FM doesn't want taxpayer or ratepayer funding to pay the broadcast bills, believing a low overhead station is viable with online advertising and concert fundraising events.

'We want to be truly independent, low cost radio the community can contribute to and enjoy.

'Mount Maunganui remains the only major beach resort in the Bay not to have a dedicated frequency and its own local station.”

Max says the September radio survey showed surprising results for the ‘other' category, which is typically made up of smaller community stations.

Radio Hauraki, Solid Gold, The Breeze and The Edge all came behind the ‘other' category of listenership in the September 2011 survey for the Bay of Plenty.

'This result confirms there is a growing audience that is not being served by commercial mainstream radio.”

View the survey here: www.radios.co.nz/radio_research/survey_area_results/