Merger of Pacific Star Network and Crocmedia could bring on-air shake-up

SEN’s high-profile breakfast team could be on thin ice as the merger of the station with Craig Hutchison’s Crocmedia moves a step closer.

Croc Media's Off the Bench team Liam Pickering, Craig Hutchison and John 'Dr Turf' Rothsfield

THE proposed merger of Pacific Star Network with Crocmedia Pty Ltd could have major ramifications for some of SEN’s on-air talent.

A statement from the Australian Stock Exchange on Wednesday morning reveals the merged group will be led by CEO elect Craig Hutchison, currently a part of SEN’s popular Saturday morning show Off The Bench alongside Dr Turf (John Rothfield) and Liam Pickering.

AXED EXECUTIVE: WILL LETHLEAN JOIN THE BOMBERS?

One insider suggested Off the Bench could become the new-look’s station Monday-Friday breakfast show, after the revamped team led by Garry Lyon and Tim Watson has been steady rather than spectacular in ratings surveys this year, regularly coming in at under the figure of 4 that was hoped for.

Croc Media’s Off the Bench team Liam Pickering, Craig Hutchison and John ‘Dr Turf’ Rothsfield

“If you want to improve your ratings, then it has to start with breakfast as the 3AW model has consistently proven,” was the comment of a media analyst in relation to SEN’s station average of 3.5.

SEN committed a huge financial investment in its breakfast team, one that originally included Hamish Mclachlan. It isn’t unusual in the radio world for such a commitment to be given at least two years to succeed, but a change in ownership could lead to a change in direction.

SEN’s high-profile 2017 breakfast team of Garry Lyon, Hamish McLachlan, Tim Watson and Sam McClure. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

In recent months talk has persisted that Lyon could attract the interest of Fox Footy, where he would again be used as an expert commentator, a job in which he is remains extremely highly regarded

Kevin Bartlett’s Hungry for Sport is viewed as a successful part of SEN and as such is unlikely to be changed in any major way.

Today’s move follows the retirement of major shareholder Ron Hall as a non-executive director of ­Pacific Star Network and the resignation of four other board members, including chairman and America’s Cup hero John Bertrand, former Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert and one-time St Kilda CEO ­Michael Nettlefold.

The ASX statement says documents have been signed allowing Pacific Star Network and Crocmedia to undertake due diligence within 30 business days “and enter legally binding final transaction documents shortly thereafter”.

*Jon Anderson is a daily contributor to 3AW breakfast