Kevin Bartlett set for new timeslot on SEN as Tim Cleary joins CrocMedia

FOLLOWING the brutal axing of David Schwarz and Mark Allen, the changes continue at SEN. This time it is station favourite Kevin Bartlett who is on the move to a new timeslot.

Craig Hutchison has made some big appointments already.

THE first big move of the new SEN era has landed with station stalwart Kevin Bartlett shifting to afternoons.

Bartlett will be joined by Dr Turf (John Rothfield) in the 3pm to 6pm timeslot with the new drive show known as ‘KB and The Doc’.

The Richmond legend has been a favourite of listeners in the morning but his replacement there is yet to be revealed.

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Long-time afternoon hosts David Schwarz and Mark Allen were last week sacked after more than a decade at the station.

The changes are the first to implemented by the new management led by CrocMedia boss Craig Hutchison whose company is about to officially merge with the station’s original owner Pacific Star Network.

Another change confirmed today was the return of Andy Maher in the midday to 3pm slot, replacing Francis Leach.

Craig Hutchison will work closely with Tim Cleary. Picture: Tony Gough

Station general manager Cathy Thomas said the chemistry between Bartlett and Rothfield was the key factor behind the move.

“Kevin is the heartbeat of our station, a football and industry icon, and has been front and centre of our growth for over a decade,” Thomas said.

“Prior to joining us, he and Doc worked together and have always been close friends and enjoy great on-air chemistry.”

Bartlett admitted he was surprised to have been offered the new role but understood the station was going through an overhaul to try and attract more listeners and advertisers.

“The Doc’s quirkiness and antagonism has always fascinated me and the chance to embrace a new challenge with him really appealed,” Bartlett said.

“We can only assume it’s part of a new youth policy at the station.”

Hutchison has already stated that Garry Lyon and Tim Watson will return in the breakfast slot next year.

Some of the names thrown up to fill the void left by Bartlett in the morning include Footy Classified panellist Caroline Wilson and 3AW host Dwayne Russell.

Earlier today it was revealed former Channel Nine heavyweight Tim Cleary was also joining SEN.

Kevin Bartlett is moving to a later timeslot. Picture: Getty Images

Cleary, who recently left Channel Nine after 13 years with the network where he was the head of programming and production, has worked alongside Hutchison for almost two decades.

He has been named Chief Content Officer for CrocMedia and also the head of the company’s new TV production business Rainmaker.

“I’m really looking forward to building Rainmaker from the ground up and exploring new formats across genres as diverse as sport to entertainment and lifestyle,” Cleary said.

CrocMedia chief executive Hutchison said he was thrilled to have Cleary on board.

“Tim’s one of the best in the business so it’s a coup for us to secure his talents to lead this new business. We have high aspirations for what it will become and the partnerships that we will create with brands and broadcasters,” Hutchison said.