SENZ appoints Jason Pine as content manager

The Sports Entertainment Network’s new New Zealand operation (SENZ) has hired Jason Pine to lead its content.

Pine is the former operations manager and sports reader at Newstalk ZB Wellington and has been with its parent company TRN/NZME for 28 years.

He said he was thrilled to be taking up the role with SENZ.

“I am absolutely buzzing to get started with SENZ and to help bring to life a unique and compelling radio station for New Zealand sports fans,” he said.

“It’s not very often you get the opportunity to build a radio station from scratch for such a passionate, knowledgeable audience. We have big plans for SENZ and with Brendon McCullum already locked in to host the Breakfast show and other high-quality broadcasters to be announced, our listeners are in for a treat.”

SEN’s radio director across Australia and New Zealand, Sam Thompson, said she was delighted to welcome Pine to the team.

“Jason is hugely respected as one of the best in the business, so we are thrilled that he will join our team in bringing SENZ to market.

“During his time at TRN/NZME, he has been operations manager, sports reader, Wellington All Sport Breakfast host, Radio Sport Mornings host, Classic Hits Breakfast host and commentator, and we’re fortunate to have him.”

The SENZ launch is still subject to conditions on SEN acquiring 29 AM/FM licences from TAB NZ.

In Australia, SEN recently purchased 2CH and then transformed it into its sports talk format. It began broadcasting as 1170 SEN Sydney in October.