SEN shake-up continues with general manager Cathy Thomas made redundant

ANOTHER footy commentator has fallen victim to the sword of SEN’s new boss Craig Hutchison as the station’s massive cull continues.

Craig Hutchison has taken over SEN. Picture: Jay Town

FOOTY commentator Matt Granland is the latest SEN victim, as the station’s massive cull continues.

Granland was told on Tuesday afternoon that his regular commentating gig on the station’s Friday night coverage was over.

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Matt Granland, pictured at SEN’s AFL season launch in 2001, is the latest victim as the station’s massive cull continues.

He also lost weekend commentating spots and fill in roles during the summer.

Granland told the Herald Sun he will miss the station.

“I loved all the people I worked with and I’ll miss SEN. It’s been a big part of my life and I wish them success,” he said.

Granland’s axing comes after general manager Cathy Thomas was shown the door.

Thomas, who had been in charge of the sports station for the past 18 months, was told her position had been made redundant as part of the sweeping changes being engineered by CrocMedia boss Craig Hutchison.

She joins long-time evening host Mark Fine and veteran regular weekend presenter Kevin Hillier as the most recent axings at the station.

Thomas joined SEN in 2016 after 13 years at Austereo and was responsible for the controversial signing of Garry Lyon to a new revamped breakfast show.

Bringing Lyon, Tim Watson and Channel Seven’s Hamish McLachlan together for the crucial early morning slot was a bold move — and a costly one at over $1 million.

With ratings struggling throughout last year Thomas was under pressure and ultimately it cost her a job after Pacific Star Network merged with Hutchison’s company, signalling a new era at the station.

Craig Hutchison has made plenty of changes at SEN. Picture: Jay Town

On the latest sacking, PSN chairman Craig Coleman said: “Change is never easy but we are focused on positioning SEN for future growth.

“We thank Cathy for the valued contribution she’s made to the station and wish her every success in the future.”

It is expected Thomas’ role will be covered internally with a number of new executive appointments expected in the coming days.

Thomas described her time at SEN as a “rewarding experience”.

“My time at SEN has been a very rewarding experience, working with an amazing group of people both on and off the air who will continue to thrive across broadcast and digital platforms within the newly merged business and all of the opportunities for growth this offers.”

The complete new line-up at SEN will be in place next week when major signing Gerard Whateley kicks off in the morning time slot.

Whateley replaces Kevin Bartlett in the 9am to midday time slot — Monday to Thursday — while also taking up the position of the station’s chief sports caller.

Bartlett started his new afternoon show (3pm-6pm) on Monday alongside co-host alongside Dr Turf (John Rothfield).

Andy Maher has returned to the station again for the 12pm-3pm slot, replacing Francis Leach while CrocMedia’s Jack Heverin has come in to replace Fine.