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
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Lincoln Wave scorches in, still on target for richer races and Sammy’s making progress too
Johnny Lincoln’s big ticker will stand to him in the States and Lover’s also sold to Aussie
No Jumals to beat this time at the Park so Ray’s looking for Lincoln Wave to roll in
Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: The Night Fox
4.59pm
“He’s racing well and I can’t fault him. The opposition is stronger this time but I can’t see why he won’t go another good race.”
Race 3: Spiritual Bliss
5.59pm
“She’s a good, tough mare. It depends on the trip you get in these sort of races but she loves it when they run hard and she can get some of the money.”
Race 3: Ultimate Cullect
5.59pm
“We haven’t had a lot of time to assess her yet. From the one drive I’ve had on her she doesn’t strike me as a sit-sprinter. But if they go hard, hopefully she’ll get home well.”
Race 5: Lincoln Maree
6.57pm
“It’s a “brutal” race but she’s drawn to get a suck along and hopefully she can last well enough for a cheque.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.29pm
“There are a few in there that are better than him but he has a handicap advantage and, if he gets a good trip, he could get some of it. He steps well and his driver reckoned he would have won last week if he’d got the run at the right time.”
Race 10: Sammy Lincoln
9.23pm
“I can’t imagine him being beaten - they’d have to knock him over. He’s very fast and in case he has to move quickly early we’ll use the shorteners. I can’t see any problem with him going left-handed - he’s probably better that way.”
Race 11: Rivergirl Bella
9.54pm
“She’s honest and will try hard.”
