Tyson Otto reports that footy fans are in shock after learning that media mogul Craig Hutchison has axed popular hosts Daniel Harford and Michael Felgate from Melbourne network RSN.
Hutchison announced sweeping changes to the radio station just days after his group purchased it in a $3.25 million deal.
In a bizarre segment, Felgate grilled Hutchison about why he was losing his job, with Hutchison responding that the decision was not personal and that the station needs to invest in the racing product.
Felgate began the interview by asking Hutchison about the programming changes, saying “I’ve got to start with the elephant in the room.
An announcement yesterday which came out that there will be programming changes. Breakfast with Harf and this show, Racing Pulse, will no longer exist in the new regime.”
Hutchison responded, “First of all, they’re magnificent shows, so no disrespect at all to the quality of the programs and the identities involved, you in particular Michael and Daniel, who have been incredible servants of RSN.”
Harford, who has been an icon of the network, said on his Thursday show that it had been “a period of uncertainty” for those involved, and that the program would cease to exist at the end of August.
The Hutchison-led group have announced that RSN will double dip from the Hutchison-backed SEN network and will broadcast SEN Breakfast, with SEN’s flagship breakfast slot being shared between Kane Cornes, David King, Tim Watson, and Garry Lyon.
Felgate’s Racing Pulse will be replaced by Gareth Hall’s Giddy Up, with the changes to be made from August 29.
Harford has been with the network for nine years and has expressed his gratitude for the amazing messages and love he has received after the changes were announced.
Hutchison has kept the door open to work on different projects with the sacked duo down the track.
Harford played 162 senior games during his playing career with Hawthorn and Carlton before his retirement in 2004, and has since moved into coaching, including a stint as coach of Carlton’s AFLW side.