SEN veterans Mark Fine, Kevin Hillier latest victims in radio shake-up as Jack Heverin named evening replacement

CRAIG Hutchison’s shake-up at SEN has claimed another victim, with another veteran presenter shown the door as the axe continues to swing at Crocmedia.

Mark Fine spent 15 years at SEN.

CRAIG Hutchison’s shake up at SEN has claimed another victim, with presenter Kevin Hillier sacked after 11 years at the sports station.

A weekend presenter through the summer months, Hillier is the latest in a line of veteran presenters — including Mark Fine and David Schwarz — shown the door.

“It’s funny really, in 45 years of radio I’ve only been sacked a few times but notched another up today. My time at 1116 SEN is over,” he posted on Facebook yesterday.

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“Been doing summers and fill ins since 2007, never wanted a full time gig.

“I love broadcasting, always will and I certainly believe I have a few good shows left in me.

“Thanks for your support. Another door opens. ”

Hillier’s departure comes as Hutchison looks after one of his own, with Jack Heverin replacing Fine as the station’s evenings host.

Kevin Hillier. Picture: Facebook

Mark Fine spent 15 years at SEN.

Heverin has been with Crocmedia since 2012 and impressed as a host and caller, even filling in for Hutchison on his show ‘Off The Bench’.

Fine was fired on Monday after 13 years at the sports station.

The evening program will be renamed ‘The Sporting Capital’ with a push to incorporate more live sport in the 7pm to midnight timeslot.

“I am excited to be part of the new-look SEN and bring listeners a hybrid show that features live action which I can’t wait to call, as well as everything else that’s happened that day or drops that night when we’re on air,” Heverin said.

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“We could be calling live from the NBL or A-League, or back at SEN headquarters. We’ll be where the action is.”

Fine, who hosted the 7pm to midnight shift, as well as a program after the footy and on Sunday mornings, was philosophical today.

“I wouldn’t have an ego if I didn’t think it was the wrong call, but I respect their right to make the decision,” he told the Herald Sun.

“I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”

Fine developed a cult following for his “Evenings With Finey” show.

Craig Hutchison has put his stamp on the SEN line up.

Jack Heverin will replace Mark Fine on SEN evenings.

In other developments a new one-hour show hosted by Sam McClure will run between 6-7pm.

McClure had been a part of the SEN’s revamped breakfast show last year with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson as its resident newsbreaker.

Ironically he will now go head-to-head against 3AW’s Sports Today — hosted by Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell — the show which gave him his start in the industry.

Fine is the latest host to go after David Schwarz and Mark Allen’s The Run Home show was cancelled.

Mark Robinson has also left the station.

Gerard Whateley will come in to fill the 9am show, with Kevin Bartlett shifted to an afternoon program with Dr Turf.

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Andy Maher will be on from midday, and the station has stuck with contracted morning show stars Garry Lyon and Tim Watson, who began this week.

The sweeping changes come as former Footy Show host Hutchison puts his stamp on the line up after taking over as CEO on a salary of $883,752.

Fine said that he would move on with his life.

“KB and I were the only originals on the station, we were there for 15 years,” he said.

“I think they can’t play mates, the board was brought in to make changes and I didn’t have a contract.

“I reckon they’ve made a blue, at night you are talking one on one to the listeners and you become part of their lives.

“But I love the station, and I love the game and I will remain a fan. I’m listening to it right now.”

He will now enjoy spending evenings at home with his wife and four children, he said.

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