SEN to expand into New Zealand

Australia’s Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) has revealed its plans to cross the ditch and acquire 29 TAB NZ AM/FM radio licences.

The deal is subject to conditions, however SENZ, as it will be known, has already signed former New Zealand Test captain Brendon McCullum as its headline talent.

The company said it would also soon announce the live sports rights it will acquire and its marquee local programming. It will set up studios in Auckland and Wellington to produce local sports content.

CEO, Craig Hutchison, said he was excited to be expanding SEN’s 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,” he said.

“Our business has long championed local content for local fans and that’s exactly our plan in NZ. Our 24/7 sports talk format will include shows hosted by some of New Zealand’s most loved sporting identities – as well as a block-buster line-up of live sport – all delivered through a fiercely local lens.

“We thank the TAB for reaching terms to take on the former Trackside radio footprint and look forward to partnering with them to provide a unique offering to sports and racing, pacing and chasing fans alike.”

McCullum will front the Breakfast show and said he’s hugely excited to be taking the lead.

“This has been a long time in the making and I must thank Craig Hutchison who has been instrumental in both germinating the idea and then making it happen. I still live for sport and this is another opportunity to remain immersed in it in my own country, putting my stamp on SENZ’s coverage and hopefully having a lot of fun along the way,” he said.

Hutchison also praised his incoming star.

“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.”