Australia’s leading independent broadcaster Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) has landed one of Australia’s great rugby league and media characters, Matty Johns for its new Sydney radio station 1170 SEN.
Matty Johns will make his return to radio – joining 1170 SEN when it debuts during the 2020 NRL Grand Final week in October.
Johns joins a line-up of the biggest names in sport who have signed with the station including Andrew Voss, Matt White, Bryan Fletcher, Joel Caine, Katie Brown and Jimmy Smith.
The former star player turned star media talent will host Friday mornings 9am-12noon, as well as an hour on Monday mornings on breakfast with Vossy and a catch-up with Fletch and Joel during drive each week.
Johns will share his unique larrikin brand of humour and wit with audiences each Friday morning – alongside a roll-call of notable regular guests.
“When Hutchy first approached me, he offered me 9am - 12noon Mondays – but I said I wasn’t interested. It’s hard to justify having a beer at that time on a Monday… but Fridays… well that’s different, so I said yes!” Johns said.
“I love radio, but after eight years of breakfast shifts, I needed a break. The lure of a 24/7 sports station with a proven track record, plus the opportunity to join a team of this calibre, was too good to refuse.”
The former Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative, notched up almost 200 first grade NRL games including winning a premiership with Newcastle Knights.
His media career is as celebrated as his playing career – hosting Triple M’s breakfast show for eight years as well as a regular on The Footy Show and his own The Matty Johns Show on Fox Sports – now a cult podcast with episodes of Matty at home with the rest of the family – wife Trish and sons Jack and Cooper who don’t hold back from giving him heaps.
He’s also a passionate and insightful commentator of the game.
SEN Chief Executive Craig Hutchison said Johns would bring something truly special to the station.
“It’s ‘game on’ for SEN in Sydney – we’re absolutely pumped that Matty will be joining us and rapt that he has chosen our platform for his much awaited return to radio,” Hutchison said.
“Matty has a rare and rich connection with audiences and is one of the best creative minds in the business. He’s a respected former player, media identity, brilliant host and born entertainer – there’s no doubt he’ll bring the ‘E’ for entertainment to SEN and we couldn’t be prouder that he’s now on our team,” Hutchison said.
Hutchison thanked Fox League for their support of Johns’ return to the airwaves.
SEN – part of ASX-listed Pacific Star Network (PNW), acquired the 2CH 1170 AM radio licence in June this year and plans to continue Classic Hits 2CH on DAB+ and via live streaming on the app and web.
Last month, SEN launched its dedicated racing station SENTrack 1539 and DAB+ into Sydney with acclaimed racing broadcaster Andrew Bensley to host its morning show from December.
Sydney audiences will have a choice of four Sports Entertainment Network DAB+ stations: 1170 SEN, 1539 SENTrack, Classic Hits 2CH and also SEN Vic channel for those who want to tap into programming including Melbourne’s most downloaded breakfast show: Breakfast with Garry Lyon & Tim Watson.
If it’s happening in sport here or around the world, 1170 SEN Sydney will take you there – with live coverage of NRL, State of Origin, Test cricket, Big Bash, A-League, AFL and racing - alongside, news, opinion and debate from the country’s biggest names in sport.
1170 SEN can also be heard via the SEN app.
- Source: July Australian Podcast Ranker.
