TAB buy back radio frequencies in $4m deal, paving way for live commentaries again
By Barry Lichter • 23 November 2023
Racing fans can look forward to hearing live commentaries again with the surprise news today that TAB New Zealand has bought back its radio frequencies.
The TAB sold its Radio Trackside frequencies in April, 2021, as part of a number of drastic cost cutting moves, but has agreed to buy them back in a $4 million deal taking over the loss-making SENZ Digital & Audio.
The agreement will see TAB NZ take over the SENZ brand, website and app, along with 28 radio stations (across 29 frequencies), digital and audio content creation teams, and audio rights to several sports including cricket, netball, rugby league and Premier League football.
CEO Nick Roberts said TAB New Zealand was excited at the prospect of bringing more racing coverage to fans of the sport, but he did not say when commentaries would start.
“Once we complete the transaction (expected to be in February), we plan to work with our partners at Entain to address elements like the volume of live racing and how it is distributed.
“We certainly do see a world where racing fans can hear more live commentary than exists today.”
The TAB’s decision to can Radio Trackside was universally comdemned by both punters and industry participants but Interim Chair Anna Stove said the frequencies were sold to mitigate operating costs. TAB NZ would now be acquiring a much-improved asset worth more than NZ$2 million, along with the radio frequencies.
“The business has significantly expanded in the last two and a half years from a set of radio frequencies to a modern, multi-platform media business.”
Through its strategic partnership with Entain, it was now well placed to build on the progress and create a one-stop shop for news, views, and information for punters.
Entain Australia and New Zealand chief executive Dean Shannon congratulated TAB NZ on its move.
“It is a great outcome for all of those who are passionate about racing and sports in New Zealand. Radio remains a key pillar for engaging racing and sporting audiences.”
Sports Entertainment Group, run by Australian media mogul Craig Hutchison, will continue to provide content to SENZ and will earn commission on advertising revenue it secures for the NZ business.
SENZ lost NZ$5.98 million in the year to June 30, accounting for a majority of parent company SEG’s A$9.2 million deficit.
More news in Harness
Hood comes off Whats Up The Hill giving him an upset chance at $16 tonight at Auckland
Leo takes the lion’s share to cap terrific Manawatu season - and Ray gets a piece too
Nate looking for more Fergy magic to cap successful two months at Manawatu
Cloud over Angelic Copy again - bug threatens to force her out on Friday night at Auckland
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s tips
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln La Moose
4.39pm
“He hung badly last time at Auckland but he’s going left-handed on Tuesday so he’ll be fine. He’s drawn out a bit but if things go his way he’ll be a chance. He wasn’t far away in a much stronger field in his previous start when he over-raced and was badly held up in the run home.”
Race 5: Im Not The Maid
6.24pm
“She’s a good, honest little mare who will appreciate the drop in company here and the good draw. We’ve been running her at Auckland to get points off her rating but this is more her go and with Zac (Butcher) on that will help.”
Ray’s comments
Saturday night at Auckland
Race 8: Whats Up The Hill
9.26pm
“We’ve taken the hood off him, it was shutting him down too much and making him too blase. Zac (Butcher) said he trotted perfectly without it at the workouts. It fired him up a bit and he left the mobile like a monster. Zac reckoned he could have led easily. He’s still a work in progress but he’s a lovely horse and is always a chance. He’d be one of the main chances tonight if he did things right.”
