Kevin Bartlett’s SEN axing came despite significant ratings increase in drivetime slot in latest survey

Kevin Bartlett never got to do a final show before saying goodbye to his listeners. But he wasn’t going to disappear from the airwaves without sending out a thank you. Read KB’s full statement here.

The biggest irony about Kevin Bartlett’s SEN departure was it came on the same day his drive program provided SEN’s biggest ratings spike.

Meanwhile, after being unable to complete a final show on air, Bartlett has since taken to social media to thank his loyal fans.

“I would like to say how much I’ve enjoyed my time at SEN over all these years and look back with pride to see how the station has evolved over all that time,” Bartlett wrote.

“I’d like to thank all the people who have helped me over the years and I’m humbled by the gracious comments made by so many people over the last few days on hearing the news of my resignation.

“I’d like to acknowledge the professional way in which Craig Hutchison has handled my resignation and appreciate his kind comments in his press statement.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the listeners of SEN who have always supported and encouraged me on radio and TV and who have allowed me to remain totally involved in not just AFL but all sports in this great city…and hopefully we’ve all had a bit of fun along the way.”

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RADIO: WHAT SPARKED FIRE AT SEN?

There were a lot of positives in Survey 4 of the ratings with the SEN afternoon slots enjoying an impressive surge.

The drive slot between 4pm-7pm saw an 1.3 jump to 4.2 (KB and The Doc was on from 3pm-6pm) while Andy Maher’s afternoon program went from 3.0 to 4.1.

In a further slap in the face to KB, a press release from the Pacific Star Network about the SEN ratings which quoted Hutchison failed to even mention that fact the drive program had been the biggest winner.

Instead it jumped around pumping up Gerard Whateley’s morning program which increased from 3.5 to 4.3 and lauding a slight increase in the station’s football ratings.

The dominant performance of the football ratings came from 3AW who registered a stunning win on Friday nights with 13.6 ahead of Triple M 8.1.

Macquarie Sports Radio had a disappointing survey overall falling from 0.4 to 0.2 with its flagship drive show dropping significantly due in part to the absence of co-host Mark Allen because of his cancer fight.

The Herald Sun yesterday revealed SEN had sensationally yanked Bartlett, its longest serving host, off the air.

The AFL legend hosted his last program with the sports station on Monday afternoon.

Anthony Hudson and Terry Wallace filled in for yesterday’s drivetime shift.

Bartlett’s long-term on-air partner Dr Turf (aka John Rothfield) is currently holidaying overseas.

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Kevin Bartlett was replaced by Gerard Whateley in the morning shift when Craig Hutchison took over as SEN boss. Picture: Alan Barber

Last week Bartlett and SEN boss Craig Hutchison negotiated a farewell on-air period for the Richmond great to say goodbye to his many loyal and long-time listeners.

But it is understood those terms changed dramatically on Monday when Bartlett spoke to the Herald Sun’s Mark Robinson about leaving the station.

“I really enjoyed the old SEN and it’s fair to say I haven’t enjoyed the new SEN,” Bartlett told the Herald Sun.

“It suits me to leave and it probably suits them that I leave as well.

The station moved swiftly to remove any reference to Bartlett on its social media this morning, revealing a new cover photo for its Facebook page without Bartlett or Rothfield.

A bertocchi ham and Lobster Cave Fergasm if you can spot the difference.#denisecouldntwalkfordaysafter pic.twitter.com/3uTRuXrZkH

— Rhett Bartlett (@rhettrospective) July 9, 2019

The 72-year-old has been at SEN since its inception in 2004.

Hutchison is currently in New York.

Bartlett’s former SEN colleagues paid tribute to his 15-year stint at the sports radio station after it was revealed he had quit on Monday.

The Herald Sun revealed Bartlett had resigned amid tensions with station boss Craig Hutchison.

Former SEN drive host Daniel Harford led the tributes, tweeting Bartlett as “without doubt the greatest entertainer on radio”.

“He is also the most generous on air partner any presenter could wish for,” Harford said.

“He wants you to be the star.”

Jason Richardson, a regular presenter during Bartlett’s time in the morning timeslot, said the AFL great and Richmond legend had “much to be proud of”.

Kevin Bartlett’s former colleagues lauded his impact over 15 years at the station. Picture: Stuart McEvoy.

“He’s an incredibly generous host & absolute pleasure to work with,” Richardson said.

Bartlett said he had no idea what the future would bring after ending his long stint with the sport station.

He was replaced by Gerard Whateley on the 9am-midday shift at the start of last year, one of the first decisions made by Hutchison.

“I've been there since day one. The first day of broadcasting on SEN was the Monday and the David Hookes incident took place on the Sunday,” Bartlett said.

“It suits to me leave and it probably suits them that I leave as well.

“I’m going to do other things, I don’t know what I’m going to do, I’m just having a break.”

Bartlett was expected to see out the footy season but decided to pull the plug early after the tension inside the station's Southbank studios reached breaking point.

He didn't want to comment about his differences with management but did praise his on-air partner in the drive slot Dr Turf (aka John Rothfield) who is a business partner of Hutchison's and co-owner of the station.

“Doc is fantastic, he's a great friend,'” Bartlett said.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Hutchison said an agreement was reached in May with Bartlett and Rothfield that their show would not continue next year.

The station had planned for the show to continue until AFL grand final eve, which it said would have been a “fitting farewell”.

But a new program will now be fast tracked after Bartlett’s resignation.

“KB has been an extraordinary part of the station’s history and was one of many who pushed through the early years to help drive SEN to the audience it has today,” Hutchison said.

“We respect his decision to call time early and thank him on behalf of all listeners for his energy and commitment to the station.”

A replacement for Bartlett and Rothfield in the drivetime slot will be announced soon.

Another former colleague, Brett Thomas, said he was “sad to see KB go”.

😔

KB has so much to be proud of during his brilliant career at @1116sen

He’s an incredibly generous host & absolute pleasure to work with!

Well done “Two Dogs”

Send him off in style SEN https://t.co/6IzWfJubXI

— Jason Richardson (@JaseRicho) July 8, 2019

Without doubt, @KevinBartlett29 is the greatest entertainer on radio. Comedic timing and sporting cache like no other. He "gets it".

He is also the most generous on air partner any presenter could wish for. He wants YOU to be the star.

I am forever indebted to him. #goodthanks

— Daniel Harford (@HarfSerious) July 8, 2019

"Have a great day in sport and don't forget Finey." Sad to see KB go. https://t.co/slCklq8o0G

— Brett Thomas (@Sports_Brett) July 8, 2019