Tim Paine has announced his departure from SEN Tassie Breakfast, stepping away from the microphone to focus on his growing coaching commitments.
The former Australian Test cricket captain will finish up at the station at the end of next week, following confirmation of his new role as Head Coach of the Australia A team.
The move marks a significant step in Paine’s post-playing career and comes at a time when Cricket Australia is building its next generation of elite talent.
A shift in priorities
Paine’s exit was confirmed on-air via SEN Tassie Breakfast this morning. The change comes as he prepares to take on expanded coaching responsibilities that will require greater time and focus.
While acknowledging Paine’s departure is a loss for the station, Sports Entertainment Network CEO Craig Hutchison said the decision reflected a natural next step for Paine’s cricket journey.
“We congratulate Tim on his elevation to Australia A coach, where he’ll play a pivotal role in the next phase of Australian cricket success,” Hutchison said. “Tim has been a key part in the initial success of SEN Tassie.”
Looking ahead for SEN Tassie
Paine has co-hosted SEN Tassie Breakfast alongside Brent Costelloe, a veteran sports journalist and presenter, since the show launched. The network has confirmed it will announce a new permanent co-host in due course, with a focus on continuing to grow the program’s audience and relevance across Tasmania.
The move opens up a key breakfast radio slot in the Tasmanian market, with SEN likely to be eyeing talent that complements Costelloe’s local knowledge and credibility.
The network will be aiming to maintain momentum in a competitive timeslot that has been foundational to SEN’s expansion strategy in regional Australia.
Implications for sports media and brand partners
From a commercial standpoint, Paine’s departure signals a moment of transition for advertisers connected to the program and its audience.
As Paine moves into a full-time coaching career, SEN will look to recalibrate its Tasmanian breakfast offering while preserving the credibility and local connection that has underpinned its format.
A career in motion
Paine’s move into coaching follows a distinguished playing career and a well-received stint in sports media.
As Australia A coach, he will now play a central role in mentoring future national squad prospects, bringing first-hand leadership experience into player development.
His departure from radio may be temporary, but for now, the former skipper is trading early mornings in the studio for early starts at training, and another chapter in a career that continues to evolve.