SEN’s coverage of the second cricket test between Australia and West Indies started this afternoon. It is broadcast across most of SEN network, meaning tonight’s Australian Open women’s singles semi-finals can only be heard via SEN Fanatic.
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For all the old SEN listeners who loved Finey!
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Just continuing from the Cricket on Radio forum:
I am assuming Sports Entertainment Network have done a licensing agreement with the new SENZ owners for them to keep the SENZ brand following the sale of these radio stations.
I can’t imagine Hutchy giving away the SENZ brand & name free of charge.
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The sale doesn’t officially go through until tomorrow. But yes, there’s a content supply agreement and the name was part of the sale. Although given the network has been a dud in NZ, it wouldn’t surprise me if the TAB/Entain decided to change it, they’re not allowed to air material changes for a year though.
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This has since been confirmed.
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Brilliant move by Sports Entertainment Network.
I think that’s probably what their 20th Birthday celebrations were also out to achieve… a bit of, “Take a look at us now!” to their former hosts.
I wonder if anyone else will return?
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Heavily in debt and with no listeners?
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Great news. This was fantastic listening after going to a Friday night game.
“Please, someone, anyone… look at us now”
I’ll take a punt and make this prediction…
If SEN find themselves in real financial difficultly this year - meaning the doors are about to close - the AFL will step in a buy it.
IIRC, the AFL had a small share anyway in Pacific Star Network (before Hutchy purchased it)?
How I see it, is the AFL would then off-load the SEN Track station frequencies, and other assets, down to just the capital city licences.
Then, they would run SEN as a full network out of Melbourne, with zero Brisbane/Sydney/Adelaide/Perth content.
It would be seen as a loss making promotional tool for the league. The might even cut a deal with their TV partners and simulcast Seven News at 6pm, and Fox Footy programs like AFL 360 - saving production dollars and working cross-promotion deals.
Yes, they would still touch on other sports, and broadcast other sports (mainly Cricket), but whenever an AFL (or AFLW) match is on, that would get right of way.
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In assessing the potential buyers for SEN, it seems more plausible that a rival radio network would emerge as the frontrunner rather than the AFL or any other sporting league. This assertion rests on several critical considerations.
Firstly, the notion of the AFL directly acquiring SEN poses inherent conflicts. Creating an “AFL Radio” platform risks diluting the distinctiveness of AFL TV/Radio rights agreements. If all content on the station were either simulcasts or internally produced, it would effectively entail the AFL “on-selling” its own broadcasts to rights holders. Consequently, an AFL-backed SEN would wield substantial control over production but struggle to capitalize on monetization opportunities.
Moreover, a takeover by a rival radio network aligns more closely with industry dynamics and strategic imperatives. Such an acquisition would bolster the network’s market presence, potentially expanding its audience reach and advertising revenue streams. Additionally, it would allow the acquirer to leverage SEN’s existing infrastructure and talent pool without encroaching upon the intricate balance of sports broadcasting rights.
In essence, while the AFL may harbor an interest in controlling its media narrative, the logistical and commercial ramifications of directly acquiring SEN appear prohibitive. Conversely, a purchase by a rival radio network promises synergies and growth prospects conducive to sustaining SEN’s relevance and profitability in the competitive media landscape.
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Just anybody who would run the station for the listeners again and not just for their ego.
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Yes, but who?
It’s not going to be SCA or ARN or Nova. Nine would have to jettison the music stations, which would be costing almost nothing to run while Ace’s lease covers the costs.
Ace themselves wouldn’t be investing in sports radio - they’re much closer to selling the whole company (sans Deniliquin and Wangaratta) lock, stock and barrel to SCA. (Don’t believe me? Ask yourself why SCA moved into the Ace offices in Traralgon, or why their FM stations are taking Hit Network programs…)
It doesn’t make sense for a Kevin Blyton or John deBellis to invest, and the asking price would have to be too great for Bill Caralis. Besides, he doesn’t need another Sydney AM station - there’s hardly an allure to recreate the ‘success’ of 4AK’s ‘hot AC on AM’ network format.
The most likely outcome? Private equity investment and the eventual death of the licences.
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Honestly, I don’t know would buy the stations if they were to be sold off.
It’s a bit ambitious, however, if ACE had the money, they could roll out the Magic/Easy Music format across the SEN metros.
For example:
- 2CH 1170AM Classic Hits (shared log with Magic1278 & 4BH)
- 4KQ 693AM Classic Hits (or Easy Music), with 4BH taking the other log.
OR keep it clean and have:
- 4KQ 693AM Classic Hits
- 4BH 1116AM Easy Music
- 2UE 954AM Classic Hits
- 2CH 1170AM Easy Music
- Magic1278 Classic Hits
- 3MP 1377AM Easy Music
Between ACE’s Easy Music & Classic Hits stations, this could do ok for 2CH and 4KQ.
… Based on LG&M’s performance at 4BC, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were to become available some time soon …
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There’s really only one logical buyer for the Sydney and Brisbane AM licences: Ace Radio. This will give them 2 stations each in the eastern metro markets, and switching them back to music, will more than likely see 2CH and 4QK return to the airwaves under new management.
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Hit the nail on the head.
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Would be a great outcome
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My problem would be just how many listeners of music on AM are out there. Unless you were born before 1960 there would not be many, Brisbane seems ok, Sydney more or less and Melbourne a basket case. They would have to bee 100% automated to have any real chance. It is sad but I would have to agree with Australian Aerial and hand in the licenses.
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sounds like people are barricking for a failure
if people commenting had met Hutchy, they would have a different view.
uninformed = ignorant
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