In the two months since we reported the imminent merger of SEN owner Pacific Star and Crocmedia, the transformation of the sports station barrels ahead.
Some big names have been culled from the SEN lineup since Craig Hutchison took the reins, with drive show The Run Home hosts David Schwarz and Mark Allen told their contracts were not being renewed by the station in December. After 12 years on air, Schwartz said the decision left him ‘numb’.
AFL commentator Matt Granland is the latest sacking; he was told on Tuesday afternoon that his regular Friday night gig was over.
Granland’s departure comes after Cathy Thomas was made redundant following 18 months as SEN General Manager, having previously spent 13 years at Austereo as National Sales Director and GM of Fox FM and Triple M.
CrocMedia’s Jack Heverin has come in to replace evening host Mark Fine (ending 13 years at SEN), and another veteran presenter Kevin Hillier, was sacked after 11 years with the station.
Channel Seven boundary rider and Melbourne AFLW star Daisy Pearce is set to join SEN breakfast co-hosts Garry Lyon and Tim Watson, in a move seen as a step towards addressing the absence of female talent at the station.
Pearce will play a pivotal role at the station, and develop her own signature women’s sports show. ‘I’m excited to be part of something that feel transformative, fresh and contemporary in sports radio,’ Pearce said.
The complete new line-up at SEN will be in place next week when Gerard Whateley takes the mic in the morning time slot, vacated by Kevin Bartlett.
Craig Hutchison said the business was rapt to finalise the bulk of its key appointments.
“We are thrilled with the calibre and integrity of the talent we’ve assembled that will drive 1116 SEN into its new era,” Hutchison said.
“We’ve secured sport’s biggest names and influencers and we aren’t done yet with further announcements still to come regarding Gerard’s show which launches on Monday.
“There will be more diversity, opinion, and something for all sport’s fans in the new 1116 SEN world.
“We’ll call more live sport, take you places you’ve always dreamed of going, and connect you with your heroes all over the world.
“1116 SEN in 2018 means business, and we’ve got the ensemble cast in place to start an amazing ride,” Hutchison said.
SEN 2018 Line-up
6-9am Breakfast with Garry & Tim
9am – Noon Whateley with Gerard Whateley
Noon – 3pm Afternoons with Andy Maher
3-6pm KB and the Doc with Kevin Bartlett and Dr Turf
6-7pm Time On with Sam McClure
7pm-midnight The Sporting Capital with Jack Heverin