Radio wars over Christmas parade | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

It seems the spirit of Christmas in the radio industry only extends so far, if your competitor wants to be part of the festivities.

Classic Hits FM has decided an application by the other major player in the Wairarapa radio industry, Hitz FM, to participate in the Masterton community Christmas parade on Saturday will be denied.

News of the dispute became public this morning during an on-air interview on Hitz 89FM when the radio host was asked about their float for the parade, and he replied their station was not allowed in the Masterton Christmas parade because the opposition would not allow them to enter.

Hitz 89FM programme director and breakfast host Brent Gare said he was disappointed by Classic Hits' decision not to allow their float in the parade.

"All we wanted to do was put a float in and be part of the community Christmas spirit."

The parade is partly funded by the Masterton District Council and is run by Classic Hits FM, as a yearly community event.

"Being a council-funded event, we should be allowed to be part of it. It's Christmas and surely there should be some give and take," Mr Gare said today.

He said initially the Hitz 89 FM application for a float in the parade had been accepted, but then they received an email informing them they were no longer welcome.

"We took around the cheque and everything was fine, then they sent us an email said we can't be in it. I know competition is good, but this stinks."

Hitz FM's Christmas float was in Carterton's annual Christmas Parade, which was run by the Carterton Rotary Club, last week.

Mr Gare said he can't understand why there should be exclusion in a community event.

"We have had kids ring up asking to be on our float and we have had to tell them: 'Sorry we can't'," he said.

Glyn McLean, from Classic Hits, refused to go on the record about the opposition station's snubbing as he said the Times-Age was the wrong forum.

Event organiser Mark Harris said: "We have to ensure that we protect any commercial realities associated with any event."