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
Leo Lincoln close to a win: Watch how he copped it early last time at Manawatu
Consisent little Lincoln Lou sold to Western Australia to join fellow ex-Kiwis
Kevin Kline caps record day for Casey and loyal Lincoln Farms’ team - and can repeat
It’s bon voyage Frisky as Ray celebrates another rags to riches sale success
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.44pm
“Fergie’s drive on Sunday was perfect, you couldn’t ask for better, and he said the horse was doing his best work in the last 50 metres. Maybe with another 100 metres he might have got there. His gate speed is only OK so I can see him getting crossed here.”
Race 5: Kevin Kline
6.19pm
“Fergie said he did it easily on the first day, and the horse only did what he had to. He’s been racing much nicer horses at Auckland so it was good to get the win, hopefully it will boost his confidence. I’ll leave the tactics up to Fergie but I imagine he’ll probably do the same thing again, loop the field and outstay them.”
Race 6: Onyx Shard
6.54pm
“I was hoping she’d drop down a grade. She’s had some tough trips recently, having to do a lot of work, and it didn’t help being three wide for the last lap on the first day. Also they only walked and sprinted home. She could be better coming with one run at them.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Lover
5.33pm
“He had no chance last start when trapped three wide all the way. That won’t happen this time from the inside draw so that gives him a chance to get some of it.”
Race 2: Prince Lincoln
5.33pm
“He’s shown no gate speed so the wide draw doesn’t matter. He’s coming along all right but will need lots of luck against the hot pots.”
Race 5: Debbie Lincoln
6.54pm
“She seems to have overcome her tying-up issue, her bloods are good, and she’s training well again. She could possibly be underdone and the seven draw makes it very hard.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lou
7.20pm
Scratched. Sold to Western Australia.
Ray’s comments
Sunday at Manawatu
Race 1: What’s Up The Hill
3.16pm
“He’s a work in progress. He just needs more practice - you don’t learn much at the trials with only two or three horses. If he trots the whole way, he should be in the money.”
Race 4: Onyx Shard
4.38pm
“We drove her more quietly last time and she finished very well. She got sucked along and did nothing, finishing with plenty of gas in the tank. Ideally she’ll be driven like that again.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
5.33pm
“He had his legs taken right out from under him on the first turn last time. He’s racing very well and should be in the money again for sure.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
5.33pm
“We’ve scratched him. He has an abscess in a foot and is quite tender on it.”
