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.

Book of the Banned

Episode shared with you:

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.
Book of the Bannedshared with you
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.

All episodes:

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.
Book of the Bannedshared with you
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.

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

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

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

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.
A black and white picture of Eminem singing in front of a crowed

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