New racing and sports radio station to hit airwaves

[Wandering Eyes]

Plans for a new racing and sports station have been announced.

The Australian-based Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) has acquired 29 TAB NZ AM/FM radio licences and plans to become “New Zealand’s new home of sport and racing”.

In April last year Trackside was taken off air due to the impact of COVID-19, with the TAB saying the decision would be reviewed when racing in New Zealand resumed. Radio Sport also closed in March last year.

SENZ will establish radio studios in Auckland and Wellington and will produce local sports content from both studios.

No dates have been disclosed yet for when the station will be up and going.

One key detail though is that former Blackcaps skipper and racing personality Brendon McCullum is very much part of the set up. He will front the all-important breakfast shift.

“I’m obviously hugely excited to be taking the lead on such an inventive move forward for sports radio in New Zealand,” said McCullum.

TAB NZ Executive Chair, Dean McKenzie said the sale of the Trackside radio frequencies to SEN was a positive outcome.

“SEN has a proven track record in delivering quality sport and racing coverage in Australia and we look forward to a close and mutually beneficial relationship in promoting and covering sport and racing in New Zealand.

“We’re confident racing fans will be well-served by the introduction of the new venture which will be in addition to Trackside’s separate existing live simulcast of racing which continues to be available through the TAB website, app and streaming services.”

Sports Entertainment Network CEO, Craig Hutchison said he was excited to be expanding the SEN footprint internationally.

“New Zealand is one of the most passionate places in the world for international and local sport and we are delighted to have reached agreement to unleash SENZ onto an unrivalled radio footprint across the whole country,” Hutchison said.

“Not only is Brendon revered as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever cricketers – he’s also a racing expert, horse owner, coach and commentator. There’s possibly no bigger name in New Zealand sport and we are honoured and excited that he will join SENZ.

In Australia, the business owns and operates 18 radio stations around the country – including 1116 SEN Melbourne, 1170 SEN Sydney, 1629 SEN SA in Adelaide, as well as 11 stations under its racing brand SENTrack. It also owns a newspaper, magazine and talent management business.

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