The 828AM frequency was later used by 2XS FM to start a second station Bright and Easy 828AM, this station was later known as Classic Hits 828 (no connection to Classic Hits FM network) before becoming Magic 828 & 98.6FM.
The station has enjoyed a significant market share[citation needed], anchored by local long-serving breakfast host Mike West, since the early 1990s.
A string of personalities have worked on the station, including Stu Tolan (MORE FM network), Dom Harvey (under his pseudonym Baldrick; The Edge Breakfast), Mark Smith (Sound/Magic Network), Robert Scott (The Breeze Drive), Martin Good (Classic Hits Hawkes Bay Breakfast), Hamish McKay (Newshub sports presenter) and others.
This eventually happened in 2021, when 2XS relaunched under a different owner, broadcasting on 1548AM, 106.7FM (low power) or via an online stream.
[2] In a growing trend in NZ radio, MORE FM Manawatu has increased its networked programming from Auckland, particularly across the weekend.