SEN plans expansion into Sydney
Sports broadcaster SEN has announced plans to expand into Sydney with the acquisition of 2CH 1170 AM radio and plans to acquire 1539 Sydney.
The broadcaster said business will remain as usual at 2CH in the short term, while 1539 AM will become the third SENTrack station in NSW and seventh nationally.
SEN chief executive officer Craig Hutchison said he was excited to expand the company’s owned radio platform and audience reach into Sydney.
“The opportunity to own and run a commercial licence in Sydney is rare – especially on a station and signal that has built such a loyal audience as 2CH. Combined with our plans to launch racing service SENTrack into Sydney, we are incredibly excited to expand our footprint into Australia’s biggest city,” Hutchison said.
To support the company’s growth, Simon Dennis has been appointed as group commercial director – NSW. Dennis joins after spending time at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) in Adelaide and Sydney as group sales director and has also worked for Groupon and Australian Radio Network (ARN).
“I’m super excited to be working back in radio and helping grow the SEN brand locally,” Dennis said.
In NSW, ‘Breakfast with Joel (Caine) and Jimmy (Smith)’ will provide a local lead into each day’s racing coverage – commencing 22nd June on SENTrack 1575 AM Wollongong and 801 AM Gosford. It will start soon after in Sydney when SENTrack launches on 1539 AM.
The pair said they were looking forward to sharing their banter with sports fans.
“With the NRL back with a bang, and fans craving sport, we can’t wait to give listeners their morning sports fix,” said footballer-turned-commentator Smith.
Caine, who played for the Balmain Tigers and remains the highest ever points scorer for West Tigers, said he was thrilled to be joining SENTrack.
“I can’t wait to join Jimmy bright and early to discuss the day’s sporting agenda and all the hot topics across chasing, pacing and racing. It’ll be heaps of fun and I’m sure we’ll have a lot of laughs along the way,” said Caine.
Racing will take centre stage each day after breakfast, with SENTrack offering racing fans
previews, analysis, insights and reviews of key races across the country along with
interviews with owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys.
Hutchison said he was excited to bring SENTrack to passionate Sydney sports and racing
fans.
“We are incredibly excited to launch SENTrack – Australia’s first independent racing, harness and greyhound radio racing service into Sydney and we are delighted that we can maintain our parochial approach to state-by-state content, with our new local breakfast show.
“The radio signals we have acquired all sit in great spots on the AM dial, and will be paired as always with an aggressive digital strategy.
“We can’t wait to get right behind NSW racing, harness and greyhounds and help attract and keep new fans to these great industries in the fun and social tone that SENTrack seeks to hit each day. And with two of the state’s most entertaining sports identities getting us off and racing each morning, we expect plenty of fun and insights along the way,” he said.
SENTrack also recently launched in Melbourne on 1377 AM, Perth on 657 AM, Ingham 96.9 FM, Atherton 99.1 FM, Wollongong 1575 AM, Gosford 801 AM and will commence broadcasting on 7th September in Brisbane on 1053AM and Gold Coast 1620AM. It can also be heard via the SEN app.
