It’s boots on and volume up as New Zealand Media and Entertainment’s country music station iHeartCountry NZ launches live and local content, with Music Director Dan Bernstone stepping up to host iHeartCountry Mornings.
Starting next Monday 31 August, iHeartCountry Mornings with Dan Bernstone will air weekdays from 6am bringing Bernstone’s music expertise, on-air chops and genuine connection to the country community to listeners’ mornings.
Bernstone's love of country music started early, growing up listening to his parents' record collection through the genre's 1980s resurgence. He fondly recalls spending his Sunday nights in front of popular TV show That's Country, as well as listening to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers on high rotate. A win at a local talent quest, run by his area's country music club, launched him onto the country circuit where he went on to collect a string of awards up and down the country, including the coveted Gold Guitar Award.
Music stayed close to his heart, but radio became the career passion with stints on air at some of New Zealand's top stations and a spell in the UK. Three years ago, as country music showed signs of a new resurgence, Bernstone co-founded Southern Cross Country Radio, an online station built with a passionate team to fill a gap in the market. The station wound down earlier this year, then Bernstone joined NZME as Music Director of iHeartCountry NZ.
Bernstone says “I just love where country music is and the direction it’s heading right now, and I’m stoked to be part of it on iHeartCountry New Zealand. We have such a passionate team, and we can’t wait to expand our offering to this growing market in New Zealand.”
The live schedule doesn't stop there. iHeartCountry NZ will also shortly introduce a new local day show, running midday until 6pm. Bobby Bones, American country media personality joins the lineup with his Country Top 30 fresh from Nashville at midday Saturdays and Women of Country with Amy Brown, showcasing both established icons and rising stars, airs on Sundays at midday.
David Brice, iHeartCountry NZ Content Director, says the expanded live schedule is about super-serving a growing audience.
“Live radio is where community happens, and nobody builds community around country music like Dan. Backing him with a show we can double-down on genuinely local, live experience across the week and a stronger platform for the artists and the wider industry around them. Bobby Bones’ show on the weekend will deliver a star-studded listening experience for country fans right across New Zealand.”
ENDS