ABC sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley to join SEN
ABC sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley will depart the government-funded broadcaster after 13 years, to take up a new role at Melbourne-based SEN [Sports Entertainment Network] radio.
Since first joining ABC Grandstand, Whateley has covered AFL, cricket, and horse racing as well as both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
He also hosted general sports program, Offsiders.
Whateley, who took to Twitter to announce his departure, said he was “closing” his ABC chapter to pursue a new challenge.
A new challenge pic.twitter.com/xDLFHaENTZ
— Gerard Whateley (@GerardWhateley) January 1, 2018
At SEN, Whateley will host a morning program from 9am until midday, Monday to Thursday, known as Whateley. He has also been appointed chief sports caller.
“The vision of the new ownership and their concept has grown to be irresistible, particularly the opportunity to create a program truely reflective of the way I believe Melbourne engages with sport from its fans to its participants,” Whateley said.
Whateley commences on January 29 and shortly after will go to the US to cover the Superbowl.
Pacific Star Network chairman Craig Coleman said Whateley’s arrival signals SEN’s commitment to broadcasting, analysis and opinion.
“Gerard might well be Australia’s best all-round journalist, commentator and host,” Coleman said.
“He is passionate about our vision for becoming the benchmark of Australian sports broadcasting and brings a unique new perspective to our audience.
“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Gerard and his wife Claire into the next phase of his broadcasting journey.”
Whateley will also continue to co-host AFL360 – a regular AFL talk show which currently airs on Fox Footy.
Great news for SEN listeners (*puts up hand*) and Melbourne sports fans in general. I was concerned that Crocmedia’s takeover of SEN would see it sliding further down the blokeiness scale, but Gerard Whateley is a class act.
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Oh dear. What a pity. How sad.
Not.
The departure of this Melbournophile whose focus was on ALF (a fringe sport in world terms) and horse racing (not a sport but a numbers racket) will not be regretted by many outside of the dismal city.
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This is a big loss to the national broadcaster, and it is a shame only AFL fans and horse racing fans in Victoria will get to see/listen to his broadcasts.
Whateley is the best commentator we have. Who else can commentate across three sports (AFL, Horse Racing and Cricket) regularly.
It will be difficult to replace him on Offsiders.
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Gerard- All the best. Great Commentator and picture painter of the nuance and atmosphere of Sport. I was really annoyed at the absurd word “defect”.
Take the time to read the Dictionary definition of “defect”. Absurd!!
So we all have defected when we changed jobs?????
I always thought it was making a better life for yourself professionally and in the long run for your family.
How many Australian Men and Women have “defected”!
Cheers
Greg
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