Radio Sport's hosts, commentators and producers said farewell to their listeners today in a final three-hour celebration of the station.
A small group of sports nuts, presenters and producers took on the mammoth task of turning 22 years of sporting history, controversy, highlights and lowlights, reviews and previews - andmost importantly 22 years of every sporting cliché imaginable - into a three-hour show.
The Radio Sport network has been forced to shut down indefinitely with competitions, audiences and advertisers all suffering the impacts of the global pandemic called Covid-19.
But not happy to let the cornerstone of New Zealand sports broadcasting head quietly off into the sunset, KFC called the ref back and gave sports fans all around New Zealand, some Radio Sport "Extra Time" this morning between 9am and noon.
Former Radio Sport veteran Jason Pine took on the job of anchoring the three-hour special, roping in some of the most familiar voices in New Zealand sport reporting, commentating and "opinionating".
He was joined by former hosts across the various shows on the station along with iconic commentators Bryan Waddle and Nigel Yalden.
Just spent the last 3 hours on the deck listening in to Radio Sports Extra Time. Proud, sad, happy. 22 years at the coalface bringing sport to the fan. Wonderful times, astonishing people, a bottomless pit of rich memories. I still can’t quite believe it’s over. What a journey.
That was a much more emotional three hours than I anticipated it would be... thanks @radiosportnz - 'til we meet again (and we will), take care and be kind.
So pleased that @bawads is getting his moment to say goodbye. Of all the commentators @radiosportnz has had over the decades, his voice defines it for me. Honoured to have sat next to him for last few years learning from the master 🙌🏽👏🏽🙏🏽🎙📻
Thanks @radiosportnz . When my mates would drive around with music turned up obnoxiously loud, I turned up Radio Sport. Such a massive part of my life. Group of bloody legends, every single one of you.
The KFC Radio Sport "Extra Time" Show will also gave sports fans the chance to relive some of the most spectacular moments in New Zealand sport over the 22 years that Radio Sport has been there with the competitors and for the fans.
Arif Khan, NZ CEO of Restaurant Brands, said he was excited for Radio Sport's one-off return.
"We know Kiwis are missing sports and the entertainment it provides, so we're proud to bring Radio Sport back for Extra Time. As supporters of New Zealand sport and sports fans we are excited to celebrate 22 years of Radio Sport and help the team relive some of New Zealand's most iconic sporting moments."
