Sports radio station 1116 SEN today announced respected broadcaster FRANCIS LEACH will return to host the station’s popular drive program, ‘The Run Home’. Leach will join former Melbourne champion and football commentator DAVID SCHWARZ from 4-7pm weekdays, commencing MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19. Leach, who was part of the original SEN team in 2004, has almost twenty years experience in radio with various roles at the ABC and more recently Vega. A self-confessed football tragic, Francis has spent a lifetime passionately following local and international sport.


ANTHONY HUDSON who has successfully hosted the program for the past three years, will now focus on heading up SEN’s football calling team and assisting the station with development and strategy as it embarkson its AFL match coverage. Barrie Quick, Chief Executive Officer, Radio SEN and 3MP said the station looks forward to Francis’ return.“Francis has always been held in high regard by everyone at 1116 SEN and we’re thrilled to have him back. Francis is an intelligent and instinctive broadcaster and his warm personality will be the perfect complement to David Scwharz’s enthusiastic style. We are excited at the pairing and look forward to seeing their on-air relationship evolve on ‘The Run Home’.
Leach is delighted at the prospect of returning to SEN and its all-sport format, “As a clinically-diagnosed ‘footy tragic’, my complete lack of on-field ability means that a professional playing career is out of the question. However, Radio SEN, with its unrivalled commitment to all things sport offers me the next best thing: if I can’tplay footy, at least I can bang on about it every afternoon with one of the game’s best. It’s no secret I’ve admired the work of David Schwarz over the years; and even though I couldn’t match him toe-to-toe on the paddock, the studio is a level playing field!”


Mr Quick also thanked Anthony Hudson for his work on the program. “Anthony has contributed immeasurably to the success of the drive program and the overall station. His extensive media experience and AFL knowledge will be a significant benefit in the execution of the station’s AFL broadcast strategy. With the addition of Francis to the team, SEN is in a great position to capitalise on our growing success. ”Having secured AFL broadcast rights for the next three years, and as Melbourne’s only 24-hour sports radio station, SEN is enjoying solid revenue growth and a reputation as the most well-credentialed sports station in Melbourne.


 With an already extensive catalogue of VFL, A-League Soccer, Basketball and Rugby League coverage and some of the country’s most respected on-air talent, SEN is well placed as it undertakes what will undoubtedly be its most rewarding year to date.


THE NEW RADIO 1116 SEN DAILY LINE-UP:6-9am Morning Glory with TIM WATSON, BILLY BROWNLESS & ANDREW MAHER 9am-12noonHungry for Sport with KEVIN BARTLETT 12-4pm The Good Oil with MARK DORAN 4-7pmThe Run Home with FRANCIS LEACH & DAVID SCHWARZ7-11pm (Mon-Thur) Beva After Dark with BRUCE EVA 11-12 The Day in Sport with MATT THOMPSON 12-6am World Sport Overnight with TONY SCHIBECI