Radio with Pictures
Encyclopedia
Radio with Pictures was an early music video
program, airing on New Zealand broadcaster TV2 (later South Pacific Television) from 1976 to 1986. "RadPix" aired as a weekly, late night series featuring adult and alternative music.
In 1976, TV2 producer Peter Grattan coordinated pop clips being supplied for no charge by record companies, some of them being unsuitable for the children's or prime time schedule (from artists such as The Tubes
, Sex Pistols
, Stranglers, etc.) With over sixty 'unusable' pop clips, Grattan proposed a late night "radio with pictures" concept to then-Head of Programs Kevan Moore. Moore was a former producer of The C'mon Show, a popular music series in the 1960s, and had included pop clips in that program.
The concept was approved and the first thirteen half-hour episodes aired from September through December 1976. RadPix had no budget and thus no host; instead, imaginative Terry Gilliam
-style graphics linked the various pop clips (in later series, similar graphics, by Fane Flaws
, were used as part of the opening credits). The first clip to play was Steve Miller
's Fly Like an Eagle
and the first show also featured New Zealand band Red Hot Peppers (not to be confused with the Red Hot Chili Peppers
). Subsequently, a NZ-based act was featured every week and to end the first series, Grattan produced a Keepin' It Kiwi special with ten NZ acts. RadPix also became an avenue for international acts such as Bob Marley
, Little Feat
, Blondie
and Rainbow
to gain fans, promote tours and sell records.
RadPix eventually achieved cult status, and record companies also took note: artists aired on RadPix would often see substantially increased sales. Also watching was Mike Nesmith (of The Monkees
fame); in November 1976, he saw the show in a motel while on a solo NZ tour. Seeing the concept's potential, he returned to America and shared the idea with Robert Pittman
. The result was, ultimately, MTV
.
But in 1977, three years prior to MTV, the now popular RadPix had been allocated a small budget with producer Alan Thurston,(died 2008),and its first presenter. Barry Jenkin (the NZ version of BBCTV's John Peel
) was passionate about the new, emerging sounds of the day. (e.g.: Neil Young
: Like A Hurricane.) It echoed the work he had been doing on his NZ radio broadcast. With his encyclopedic knowledge of Rock and his signature "Good evening citizens" introduction, Barry Jenkin(Dr. Rock) helped give the show an alternative edge,cemented later by the arrival of 'Punk'the audience for which was fanatical. Jenkin was sometimes noticeably unhappy on air when introducing clips which he believed were unsuitable,(too commercial) for the show.
Later producer's aims were to maximize viewers and thus ensure the series' longevity and so clips by acts like Sweet
, Rod Stewart
and Suzi Quatro
were included. However, clips by ABBA
, The Bay City Rollers and Leif Garrett
were not! Later,the program expanded on the genres played, and gradually the "alternative" music itself became in a sense "more mainstream". In the '80s, production moved from Auckland to Wellington, thus requiring new hosts: Phil O'Brien, Karyn Hay
, Dick Driver and new producers; Tony Holden
, then Peter Blake, Simon Morris, Brent Hansen who coincidentally became President of MTV Europe in the '90s. Dick (Richard) Driver directed RadPix in its final years, having been its host following his role as singer in the band Hip Singles (1982). He later became a successful independent producer of factual programmes, including GIVE IT A WHIRL, a six-part documentary series documenting the history of New Zealand popular music as well as MUSIC NATION and CHART. In 2006 he launched the Documentary Channel on the Sky Pay TV platform. In December 2010 he sold the channel to BBC Worldwide.
Before stereo television broadcasts were commonly available, a simulcast
was available on the student radio stations which are now known as b.net
. In 1986, a dispute between TVNZ and RIANZ (The Recording Industry Association of NZ) contributed to the demise of RadPix, as RIANZ moved to initiate a 'pay to play' rule for pop clips. TVNZ refused to pay, reasoning that the record companies benefited from the free TV exposure. The impasse was finally resolved, but in the meantime RadPix had been axed. It was revived briefly in 1991 by the original producer, Peter Grattan when he became TVNZ's Head of Entertainment (1989 - 92.) Other notable TVNZ pop clip shows have included READY TO ROLL (1976 - 1990s) and SHAZAM! (1982–1988) first host, Phillip Schofield
(refer You Tube.)
For three decades, Radio With Pictures championed New Zealand Music, giving dozens of 'kiwi' acts valuable television exposure.
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
program, airing on New Zealand broadcaster TV2 (later South Pacific Television) from 1976 to 1986. "RadPix" aired as a weekly, late night series featuring adult and alternative music.
In 1976, TV2 producer Peter Grattan coordinated pop clips being supplied for no charge by record companies, some of them being unsuitable for the children's or prime time schedule (from artists such as The Tubes
The Tubes
The Tubes are a San Francisco-based rock band, whose 1975 debut album included the hit single, "White Punks on Dope". During its first fifteen years or so, the band's live performances combined quasi-pornography with wild satires of media, consumerism, and politics...
, Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians...
, Stranglers, etc.) With over sixty 'unusable' pop clips, Grattan proposed a late night "radio with pictures" concept to then-Head of Programs Kevan Moore. Moore was a former producer of The C'mon Show, a popular music series in the 1960s, and had included pop clips in that program.
The concept was approved and the first thirteen half-hour episodes aired from September through December 1976. RadPix had no budget and thus no host; instead, imaginative Terry Gilliam
Terry Gilliam
Terrence Vance "Terry" Gilliam is an American-born British screenwriter, film director, animator, actor and member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. Gilliam is also known for directing several films, including Brazil , The Adventures of Baron Munchausen , The Fisher King , and 12 Monkeys...
-style graphics linked the various pop clips (in later series, similar graphics, by Fane Flaws
Fane Flaws
Fane Flaws is a New Zealand musician, songwriter, and artist. He was a member of bands including Blerta, Spats and The Crocodiles.He wrote many of the songs used in the film Meet the Feebles....
, were used as part of the opening credits). The first clip to play was Steve Miller
Steve Miller (musician)
Steven H. "Steve" Miller is an American guitarist and singer-songwriter who began his career in blues and blues rock and evolved to a more popular-oriented sound which, from the mid 1970s through the early 1980s, resulted in a series of successful singles and albums.-Early years:Born in Milwaukee,...
's Fly Like an Eagle
Fly Like an Eagle
- Track listing :Side one# "Space Intro" – 1:15# "Fly Like an Eagle" – 4:42# "Wild Mountain Honey" – 4:51# "Serenade" – 3:13...
and the first show also featured New Zealand band Red Hot Peppers (not to be confused with the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
). Subsequently, a NZ-based act was featured every week and to end the first series, Grattan produced a Keepin' It Kiwi special with ten NZ acts. RadPix also became an avenue for international acts such as Bob Marley
Bob Marley
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
, Little Feat
Little Feat
Little Feat is an American rock band formed by singer-songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne in 1969 in Los Angeles....
, Blondie
Blondie (band)
Blondie is an American rock band, founded by singer Deborah Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. The band was a pioneer in the early American New Wave and punk scenes of the mid-1970s...
and Rainbow
Rainbow (band)
Rainbow were an English rock band, controlled by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1994 to 1997. It was originally established with American rock band Elf's members, though over the years Rainbow went through many line-up changes with no two studio albums featuring the same line-up...
to gain fans, promote tours and sell records.
RadPix eventually achieved cult status, and record companies also took note: artists aired on RadPix would often see substantially increased sales. Also watching was Mike Nesmith (of The Monkees
The Monkees
The Monkees are an American pop rock group. Assembled in Los Angeles in 1966 by Robert "Bob" Rafelson and Bert Schneider for the American television series The Monkees, which aired from 1966 to 1968, the musical acting quartet was composed of Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork,...
fame); in November 1976, he saw the show in a motel while on a solo NZ tour. Seeing the concept's potential, he returned to America and shared the idea with Robert Pittman
Robert W. Pittman
Robert Warren "Bob" Pittman , is an American businessman and the founder of MTV. On October 2, 2011, Pittman was named CEO of Clear Channel Media Holdings, Inc.. Pittman has also been the CEO of MTV Networks, AOL, Six Flags Theme Parks, Quantum Media, Century 21 Real Estate and Time Warner...
. The result was, ultimately, MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
.
But in 1977, three years prior to MTV, the now popular RadPix had been allocated a small budget with producer Alan Thurston,(died 2008),and its first presenter. Barry Jenkin (the NZ version of BBCTV's John Peel
John Peel
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE , known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004...
) was passionate about the new, emerging sounds of the day. (e.g.: Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
: Like A Hurricane.) It echoed the work he had been doing on his NZ radio broadcast. With his encyclopedic knowledge of Rock and his signature "Good evening citizens" introduction, Barry Jenkin(Dr. Rock) helped give the show an alternative edge,cemented later by the arrival of 'Punk'the audience for which was fanatical. Jenkin was sometimes noticeably unhappy on air when introducing clips which he believed were unsuitable,(too commercial) for the show.
Later producer's aims were to maximize viewers and thus ensure the series' longevity and so clips by acts like Sweet
Sweet (band)
Sweet was a British rock band that rose to worldwide fame in the 1970s as one of the most prominent glam rock acts, with the classic line-up of lead vocalist Brian Connolly, bass player Steve Priest, guitarist Andy Scott, and drummer Mick Tucker.Sweet was formed in 1968 and achieved their first...
, Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart
Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry....
and Suzi Quatro
Suzi Quatro
Susan Kay "Suzi" Quatro is an American singer-songwriter, bass player, and actor.She scored a string of hit singles in the 1970s that found greater success in Europe and Australia than in her homeland, and had a recurring role on the popular American sitcom Happy Days.-Music:Quatro began her...
were included. However, clips by ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
, The Bay City Rollers and Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett is an American singer and actor. He became famous in the late 1970s as a teen idol, but received much publicity in later life for his drug abuse and legal troubles.-Early life:...
were not! Later,the program expanded on the genres played, and gradually the "alternative" music itself became in a sense "more mainstream". In the '80s, production moved from Auckland to Wellington, thus requiring new hosts: Phil O'Brien, Karyn Hay
Karyn Hay
Karyn Hay is a New Zealand broadcaster and author, best known for hosting Radio With Pictures for five years during the 1980s. Currently a Radio Live host, Hay is married to Andrew Fagan, a former member of the New Zealand band The Mockers...
, Dick Driver and new producers; Tony Holden
Tony Holden
Tony Holden is a television producer and director. He has been involved in New Zealand television since the 1970s. In the 1970s, he directed episodes of the sketch show A Week of It. In the 1980s, he produced and directed The Billy T. James Show and episodes of the Roger Hall sitcom Gliding on...
, then Peter Blake, Simon Morris, Brent Hansen who coincidentally became President of MTV Europe in the '90s. Dick (Richard) Driver directed RadPix in its final years, having been its host following his role as singer in the band Hip Singles (1982). He later became a successful independent producer of factual programmes, including GIVE IT A WHIRL, a six-part documentary series documenting the history of New Zealand popular music as well as MUSIC NATION and CHART. In 2006 he launched the Documentary Channel on the Sky Pay TV platform. In December 2010 he sold the channel to BBC Worldwide.
Before stereo television broadcasts were commonly available, a simulcast
Simulcast
Simulcast, shorthand for "simultaneous broadcast", refers to programs or events broadcast across more than one medium, or more than one service on the same medium, at the same time. For example, Absolute Radio is simulcast on both AM and on satellite radio, and the BBC's Prom concerts are often...
was available on the student radio stations which are now known as b.net
B.net
bNet is a network of current and former student radio radio stations in New Zealand. The network co-ordinates national advertising sales and shares ideas and programming between the member stations...
. In 1986, a dispute between TVNZ and RIANZ (The Recording Industry Association of NZ) contributed to the demise of RadPix, as RIANZ moved to initiate a 'pay to play' rule for pop clips. TVNZ refused to pay, reasoning that the record companies benefited from the free TV exposure. The impasse was finally resolved, but in the meantime RadPix had been axed. It was revived briefly in 1991 by the original producer, Peter Grattan when he became TVNZ's Head of Entertainment (1989 - 92.) Other notable TVNZ pop clip shows have included READY TO ROLL (1976 - 1990s) and SHAZAM! (1982–1988) first host, Phillip Schofield
Phillip Schofield
Phillip Bryan Schofield is an English broadcaster and television personality best known for presenting shows such as This Morning, Dancing on Ice, and various game shows including The Cube.-Early life and career:...
(refer You Tube.)
For three decades, Radio With Pictures championed New Zealand Music, giving dozens of 'kiwi' acts valuable television exposure.