Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) today announced three more members of its weekday on-air lineup for the soon-to-launch SENZ.
The cult hero of the All Blacks’ 2011 Rugby World Cup win, Stephen Donald, will co-host “SENZ Drive” (4-7pm), treating listeners to his unique blend of elite sporting experience and down-to-earth kiwi humour and common sense.
Donald – known universally as “Beaver” – played 23 tests for the All Blacks, the last of which was the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, where he completed one of the country’s best-known sporting fairytales, called into the squad to cover an injury crisis and kicking the winning penalty as New Zealand beat France 8-7 to win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.
“Radio is new to me, but I’ve never been afraid of a challenge and the move to SENZ is a very exciting one for me. I’m really looking forward to helping sports lovers unwind at the end of their workdays and having plenty of fun with them. And we won’t just be talking rugby,” Donald said.
The experienced Kirstie Stanway will join Donald on “SENZ Drive”. A very familiar face to viewers of Sky Sport, Stanway fronts rugby coverage, hosts the Thursday Night “Sky Rugby Club” panel show alongside fellow SENZ host Israel Dagg and features in various other capacities.
Having worked in New Zealand and abroad, the dynamic host and journalist has quickly built an impressive portfolio of experience, including the 2017 America’s Cup and Rugby League World Cup, the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“I'm really excited to be joining the SENZ whanau alongside my great mate Izzy and Beaver too. I love radio almost as much as I love sport and I know we're going to have a lot of fun. Besides, who wouldn't want to relive 'that' kick every afternoon while feasting on a bit of whitebait?” said Stanway.
“SENZ Drive” will be produced by Sam “Lashes” Casey, one of the most well-connected and innovative young broadcasters in the country.
In more exciting news, one of the most knowledgeable voices in New Zealand sports broadcasting, Mark Stafford is also joining SENZ, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in the sports and media industries.
“Afternoons with Staffy” will broadcast weekdays from midday – 4pm, with listeners treated to in-depth interviews, breaking news, results and reaction, listener interaction and opinion through a national and international sporting lens.
“SENZ is the perfect fit for New Zealand and I'm so excited to be a part of it from day one. I love seeking out the story behind the story and I’m really looking forward to chatting with sporting personalities and our passionate listeners alike,” Stafford said.
A long-time bookmaker with the TAB, Stafford has been a regular on our screens over the last decade, becoming well-known as part of Sky Sports’ pre-game shows for rugby, rugby league, cricket, netball, football, and many other codes.
“Afternoons with Staffy” will be produced by long-time radio producer and media professional Sam Hewat, providing an experienced hand to shape and structure the show.
SENZ’s acting CEO Jodie Simm said, “We are delighted to welcome Stephen, Kirstie and Mark to the SENZ stable. All three are fantastic people who will bring their own unique qualities and add significantly to our on-air line-up. We know our audience will love listening to and talking with them every day!”
SENZ will become New Zealand’s new home of sport and racing and aims to be the destination for New Zealand sports fans.
Sports Entertainment Network is a dynamic multi-platform sports and entertainment business, connecting brands with fans across radio, television, digital, publishing, stadiums, and events.
In Australia, SEN is the largest syndicator of sports radio content across Australia. The business owns and operates 21 radio stations around the country, including 1116 SEN Melbourne, 1170 SEN Sydney, 1629 SEN SA in Adelaide, as well as 13 stations under its racing brand SENTrack. It also owns a newspaper, magazine, and talent management business.
CONFIRMED SENZ WEEKDAY LINEUP
6am-9am: Brendon McCullum and Israel Dagg
9am-noon: Ian Smith
Noon – 4pm: Mark Stafford
4pm-7pm: Kirstie Stanway and Stephen Donald