Not For Broadcast

In Not For Broadcast Nick Bollinger tells the story of New Zealand’s censored songs. Who banned these records and why?

Presented and produced by Nick Bollinger

A podcast cover with a bright blue background, featuring vintage vinyl records with a scratched-out song (physically scratched on the vinyl surface) and scratched-out labels, and the title Not for Broadcast.

RNZ exclusive

This podcast is only available on the RNZ website and apps, ad‑free and uninterrupted.

Not For Broadcast - Part 1: Book of the Banned

Not For Broadcast - Part 1: Book of the Banned

Episode 1
From the earliest days of radio, there have been songs that were deemed unfit for airplay. Who banned these records and why? Starting with the discovery of a mysterious old leather-bound book, Nick Bollinger delves deep into the RNZ archives in search of answers.
A black-and-white photo of Ella Fitzgerald singing passionately on stage into a vintage microphone, wearing a dark dress and gesturing toward the audience. In Vienna, Austria 23 April 1959.

Not For Broadcast - Part 2: Teenage Rebellion

Episode 2
In the second part of this series Nick Bollinger goes back to the 1950s and looks at how a nationwide morals panic influenced the songs that were played – and not played – on New Zealand radio.
Little Richard performing on a stage with his band

Not For Broadcast - Part 3: Political Football

Episode 3
What’s the difference between a political satire and a campaign song? In the third part of this series Nick Bollinger listens to some songs about politicians that were deemed suitable for broadcast – and a few that weren’t.
The Howard Morrison Quartet performing at Miss New Zealand

Not For Broadcast - Part 4: Explicit Content

Episode 4
Sexual innuendo has always been a staple of the pop song, but when is a song too sexy for the radio? The fourth part of this series looks at the history of songs, sex and censorship.
A black and white picture of The Rolling Stones

Not For Broadcast - Part 5: The Word From On High

Episode 5
In the final part of this series Nick Bollinger explores more songs about God and sex, and hears from some current broadcasters about a few records they played but maybe shouldn’t have.
New episode
A black and white picture of Eminem singing in front of a crowed

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