Andrew Dubber and Zane Lowe. Photo by Sam Coley.
The career of BBC Radio One presenter Zane Lowe and his challenge for the title of NZ's Most Successful Broadcaster.
The programme also looks back through Lowe’s diverse musical history, tracing his work as rapper and producer and member of the bands Urban Disturbance and Breaks Co-Op.
Urban Disturbance in Broadcasting House examines the massive respect Lowe has earned from the U.K. public, as well as the music industry, thanks to his award winning show on BBC Radio One.
Broadcaster and media commentator Andrew Dubber reveals the journey that’s taken Lowe from his early hip-hop roots in Auckland - through to his emergence as Britain’s premier purveyor of new music.
Zane Lowe’s regular BBC evening show commands a loyal audience of more than two million listeners and he is heard around the world on a range of communication platforms: FM, DAB, UHF, Cable, Satellite Radio and, of course, the internet.
His enthusiastic, knowledgeable interviewing style has gained respect from a diverse range of musicians, from Eminem to Sir Paul McCartney. But although his musical career (Urban Disturbance, Breaks Co-op) is recognised back in NZ, many New Zealanders are unaware of the full extent of his broadcasting fame.
Alongside musicians Nathan Haines, Manual Bundy and Danny Haimona (DAM Native), this programme includes interviews with key figures from the NZ and UK radio industries.
A major character in the story is Brent Hansen, former President of Creative and Editor-in-Chief of MTV International. It was Hansen who helped launch Lowe’s early career as a presenter on MTV London. In the documentary, Hansen reflects on what makes Lowe such a successful broadcaster and the intense pressure of his job as evening DJ on Radio One.
Contributors to this programme include: Zane Lowe; Andy Ashton - Former Programmer XFM London; Tim Westwood - UK DJ; Brent Hansen - Former President of Creative & Editor-in-Chief MTV; Manual Bundy - Musician; Christian Boston - Head of ZM and Flava Radio Stations; Nathan Haines - Musician; Nick D - Broadcaster; Kevin Black - NZ DJ; “DAM Native” Danny Haimona - Musician.
Presented by Andrew Dubber, Produced and engineered by Sam Coley for Radio New Zealand National.
Judges comments on Zane following his success in the Sony Radio Awards, 2008:
“Zane Lowe continues to create a radio show with innovative production values and a presentation passion unique to this broadcaster. This show magically weaves the biggest and newest names in music with the latest in interactivity to ensure that Radio 1's target audience is at the forefront of contemporary entertainment.”
“Zane continues to impress through the sheer force of his personality and his passion for the music he plays. He redefines what being a radio personality can mean, by allowing the music to be central and yet enhancing the experience with a dazzling force of energy. Zane is commended for his innovation.”
