Coast to start in Wanganui

Brian Kelly

Wanganui radio listeners will be able to tune in to a new radio station next week, although the voice of the breakfast show host will be familiar to some.

NZME Radio is launching Coast on 98.4FM in Wanganui from Monday and Coast Breakfast host Brian Kelly is Wanganui born and bred.

"Wanganui is where I grew up, and the first seeds were sown for my interest in radio.

"From the moment I heard the sounds coming out of Mr Glenngary's fancy big radio station 2XA, then 2ZW, on Nelson St (now Cook St) where we lived, I wanted to be a radio announcer.

"I've been on Coast Breakfast for four years, and I love working on this great station with a wonderful team of announcers playing the hits.

"Plus, I've been able to interview stars like Ringo Starr, John Sebastian, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart and many other music and sports stars."

Brian says he loved growing up in Wanganui and remembers being at Cooks Gardens when Peter Snell broke the World Mile record in 1962. He sold programmes at the Opera House, collecting autographs.

Brian left Wanganui to join the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation in 1970 and he said he still loves being a radio host.

"Lots of my friends and family still live in Wanganui, and it is a great feeling to know they will be able to listen to me on their local radio."

Coast Breakfast can be heard from 6am next Monday on 98.4FM.