AFL legend Kevin Bartlett leaves SEN
Ex-AFL star Kevin Bartlett has resigned from Victoria’s SEN radio station after a mutual agreement was made in May 2019 that Bartlett and John Rothfield’s drive show would not return in 2020.
It’s understood that Bartlett will leave the station near the end of the month. Prior to the announcement, the show was planned to run until the AFL Grand Final eve in September, but Bartlett’s resignation will cut that short.
SEN owner and operator Pacific Star Network announced plans in 2018 to merge with sports media company Crocmedia, which would see Crocmedia founder Craig Hutchinson take the CEO role.
The Age reports that Bartlett’s co-host, Rothfield, is a major shareholder of SEN with a 13.3% stake, which may complicate his departure should it arise.
Bartlett has been with SEN since the station launched 15 years ago. Hutchinson said he was one of the most influential figures in the station’s history.
“KB has been an extraordinary part of the station’s history and was one of many who pushed through the early years to help drive SEN to the audience it has today,” Hutchison said.
“We respect his decision to call time early and thank him on behalf of all listeners for his energy and commitment to the station over the journey.
“We wish he and Denise every success in the future and thank them for their long and significant contribution.”
In December 2017, Bartlett was moved from the mornings slot to the 3-6pm slot, which he was reported to be unhappy about. It was reported by the Herald Sun that Bartlett said he enjoyed the ‘old SEN’, not the ‘new SEN’.
Colleagues and ex-SEN talent have weighed in on the decision on Twitter, naming the Crocmedia takeover of the station as the cause of tension within the ranks. Commentators are predicting the station will look to recruit one or two big names to replace Bartlett.
And whilst we’re on the topic – @Crocmedia take over of @1116sen was supposed to turn the station into a ratings juggernaut.
They haven’t moved the needle on that one bit in 3 years.
The 7.5% share Ox and I delivered in Drive ? They couldn’t reach that with a ladder right now.
— Francis Leach (@SaintFrankly) July 8, 2019
A new drive show will be announced in due course.
KB gone what a mistake by the management of SEN.
Didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye to his loyal listeners.
Looking forward to him starting at Macquarie radio station maybe.
A legend as a footballer and radio commentator.
Go Tiges
User ID not verified.
KEVIN BARTLETT WILL EBND UP AT MAQUARIE SPORTS RADIO
User ID not verified.
Good luck KB this mob done the same to Marco and ox
Dam disgrace hope Doc hangs around but he could be in it also
With hit man Hutchy
User ID not verified.
SEN has gone backwards at 1000 miles an hour. Whatley belongs on the ABC OX and Marko were perfect in the drive slot. McClure is a sicophant. Macquarie will destroy SEN in time. I used to be 90% SEN now it’s about 15%
User ID not verified.
KB, what can I say other than, thank you.
Thank you for the football that entertained me as a boy and tigers supporter.
Thank you for the radio entertainment for the past years.
I will miss you funny ways.
Fish.
User ID not verified.
Used to listen to KB everyday, however, it doesn’t look like the management style has changed at SEN. Stopped listening when SEN callously sacked Ox and Marko and changed to Macquarie Sports Radio. Haven’t turned back and never will.
User ID not verified.
Yes
SEN now very banal.
A lot of verbal diareough.
I’m their ideal demographic
( mid 50’s male)
But tune into Nova Melbourne, as Browny ( Lions Legend ), is good way to start the day
User ID not verified.
Kevin, it’s very sad to hear of your demise, however not unexpected after the treatment of Ox and Marco. I very much miss, what was, your morning show and Ox and Marco in the afternoon. For me, you blokes bring me home, I live in Orlando Florida. Driving home with your morning show was always a breath of fresh air, and hearing the Ox in the morning as I ride was always a pleasure. Unfortunately Marco’s tips never improved my golf game. I too will look for your resurfacing, and probably leave SEN in the wind. You’ve always been a class individual, unlike Hutchie, and that’s coming from a lifetime Pie’s fan. Good luck to you going forward, cheers
User ID not verified.
Macquarie will never get me, too Sydney centric, SEN is full of Hutchy and Pickers garbage and Whateley has turned me off big time, more like a preacher than a commentator, it’s back to the music stations for me
User ID not verified.
Mark Fine is another one I miss, after he was told to go that was it for me…went off to FM, slowly getting in to Macquarie
User ID not verified.
Over to 1278 for me. Hutchinson has made a greedy mistake. Who has done more for the game?
User ID not verified.
Fineys sacking pissed me off, but Ox and Marko was the end for me. ..they’re going down the gurgler…
User ID not verified.
As a lifelong Richmond supporter (Born near Sutton Grove) I am very sorry to see you go Kevin. I will still listen to Gary Lyon & Tim Watson in the mornings, but after that I will be switching from SEN 1116.
User ID not verified.
PETER MOLLOY
ON MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER AT 5.340ASM MAKE THE CHANGE TO MACQUARUE SPOORTS RADIO 1278 AND LISTEN TO MARK*PIGGY( RODDELL, MARK LEVY & JIMMY BARLY THEN STAY WILK US AT MACQUARIE SPORTS RADIO 1278 THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
User ID not verified.
TO EVERYONE WHO HAS COMMENTED ON THIS ARTTICLE KB WILL BE ON MACQUARIE SPORTS RADIO IN 2020 SO TUNE IN NOW TO BE READY TO MACQUARIE SPORTS RADIO 1278 MAURICE, PETER, SHANE, MIKE, RON, NARK, DOM, ALAN, BRAD, FISH & MATT.
User ID not verified.
AS OR NEXT MONDAY AFTER 4PM KEVIN BRARTKLET WILL FEATURE WITH DAVID ASCHAWARZ & MARK QALLEN ON MACUARIE SPORTS RADIO DRIVE V DUE\RING THE SORIBNG RACUNG CARNIVAL ALAN, BRAD, DOM,. FISH, MATT, MARK, MAUICE, MIKE, RON
User ID not verified.
BETWEEN MACQUARIE SPORTS RADIO’S SUMMER IOF CRICKET AND KB’S STARTING WITH MACQUARIE SPORTS RADIO TOMORROW THERE WIL BE THE BIGGEST BOOST IN THE RATINGS FOR MACQUARIE SPOPRTS RADIO IN SYDNEY, MELBOURNE & BRISBANE EVER DUE TI THE POSTS I SENT ON TGHE SPORR\TS SUBDAY FACEBOOK PAGE TIDAY, FRIDAY AND TIADY ON THE TIDAY SHOW’S FACEBOOK PAGE & FRDAY O THE SUNISE AND STUDIO T\10 FACEBOOK PAGES
User ID not verified.