SEN confirms purchase of hit radio station 4KQ and announces major changes

Hit Brisbane classic hits radio station 4KQ is set to become Queensland’s ‘new home of sport’ after being sold.

The new owners of 4KQ say the hit radio station is set to become Queensland’s “new home of sport” in a major “rebranding”.

Sports Entertainment Network has today confirmed it had acquired the commercial AM licence, formally 4KQ.

It’s bad news for the station’s current on-air staff, with confirmation that the morning show team of Laurel Edwards, Mark Hine and Gary Clare would not continue broadcasting after the transaction was finalised.

The breakfast show hosted by the trio was last year voted the state’s number one breakfast show.

The end of 4KQ will come just weeks after host Laurel Edwards celebrates 30 years with the station on May 18, becoming Australia’s longest serving female radio announcer on the same program.

4KQ’s current breakfast team Mark Hine, Laurel Edwards and Gary Clare

“We thank Laurel, Gary and Mark for their many years of service,” a statement from ARN said.

“They are seasoned professionals with such a long history in the Brisbane market and we will continue to support them and engage with them on other opportunities.

“For Laurel, Gary and Mark, along with other staff impacted by the sale, ARN will be actively looking at options for redeployment.”

“All those involved in the station have been integral to our success and deserve great credit for the quality station they have helped build and their unwavering dedication across the sale process.”

SEN said the 693AM signal would be rebranded as 693SENQ with a “sports-focused format” aimed to start in July.

The 24/7 sports radio station vowed to deliver Queensland sports lovers with “wall to wall” coverage.

However, it signals the end of the 4KQ classic hits music format in Brisbane.

SEN chief executive Craig Hutchison said he was excited to continue SEN’s expansion within the Queensland market.

“We know Queenslanders love their sport,” Mr Hutchison said.

“SENQ will provide a unique offering and constant sporting content like never before as Queensland’s only dedicated sports station.

SEN’s breakfast program, hosted by Pat Welsh and Ian Healy, has been one of many Queensland-specific programs earmarked to move to SENQ.

“We already have great momentum with ‘Breakfast with Pat & Heals’ and I look forward to announcing more Queensland specific content in coming months,” Mr Hutchison said.

Mr Hutchison said he had great respect for the 4KQ brand and acknowledge the station’s history in the changeover.

“While it will not continue in its current formats, we have huge respect to its role in Australian radio history and its legacy,” he said.

“Our business model is sport, and parochial sport is at the heart of that. Queenslanders love their state and its teams and we are excited to play our role in amplifying that passion.”

Former radio host with more than 40 years behind the microphone Ian Skippen paid tribute to the station that helped launch his career.

Skippen said it was an enormous loss to Brisbane airwaves.

“Bloody hell, what a wonderful station it was that kept chugging along, this is the end of an era,” Skippen said.

“For someone like Laurel who has been on air for nearly 30 years, it’s really sad to see them go.

“Such a broad demographic of listeners, a really rich audience.”

Skippen said the trio’s loss could lead to a drop in listeners.

“It’s a heritage breakfast show,” Skippen said of Laurel, Mark and Gary.

“People just grow accustomed to waking up to their favourite people, they’re part of the family.

“If they go somewhere else they can take slabs (listeners) with them. People want to listen to something they’re familiar with.”