After 13 years at the ABC, Gerard Whateley joins 1116 SEN

In a town as sports mad as Melbourne, 1116 SEN has pulled off a recruiting coup and has lured a key ABC figure to the Richmond-based station.

After 13 years at the ABC, 43-year-old Gerard Whateley has signed on as chief sports caller. 

Joining the station on January 29, Whateley will spearhead football and racing coverage on SEN and Crocmedia, and will travel to the US to cover the Superbowl from Minnesota.

If that’s not enough, he’ll also host his own ‘signature’ show each morning 9am to Midday, Monday to Thursday to be known simply as Whateley.

Pacific Star Network chairman Craig Coleman said Whateley’s arrival heralded a new era at SEN.

“Gerard might well be Australia’s best all-round journalist, commentator and host. He is hugely respected by his peers, a twice Alf Brown Trophy winner for the AFL Media’s most outstanding performer.

“He is passionate about our vision for becoming the benchmark of Australian sports broadcasting and brings a unique new perspective to our audience.”

As for Whateley, the time was right to leave the ABC and join SEN.

“This concept has become an irresistible prospect. For so many of us, Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world.

The opportunity to craft a program that reflects our unique relationship with sport and speaks to every level of that community, from fan to participant, is a challenge I crave.”

While a merger between Crocmedia and SEN owner Southern Pacific Network has yet to be ‘officially’ confirmed, Whateley’s defection from the ABC makes it clear it’s now just a formality.