Willie Loser

Tony Veitch is back.

The Radio Network has today announced that he will host a new Saturday afternoon sports programme on NewstalkZB.

Veitch on Saturday will air from 12pm to 8pm from March 31.

General manager of talk programming Dallas Gurney made the announcement today, saying he was excited Veitch had accepted a position to host two of the station's flagship sport programmes.

Willie Lose, a former captain of the Tongan rugby team, has been at The Radio Network for a number of years leading his segment: The Willie Lose Drive Show.

Veitch will continue to co-host Radio Sport breakfast three days a week.

Both programmes will be simulcast on Radio Sport when the station is not carrying sports commentaries.

In a statement sent to the Herald, it revealed that long-time Radio Sport commentator and former rugby player Willie Lose has been given "a new opportunity...and he is still considering it.''

Veitch, a former TVNZ sports presenter, became infamous several years ago when details that he severely abused a former partner - putting her in hospital - were leaked to the media.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-sport/6450266/Lose-dropped-for-Veitchs-new-show

Tony Veitch is getting more air time on Newstalk ZB at the expense of long-time Radio Sport commentator Willie Lose.

Veitch on Saturday will air from midday to 6pm from March 31, in place of Lose's Scoreboard.

Veitch will also host another new programme, the Sport Power Hour on Sundays from 8-9am.

Both programmes will also be simulcast on Radio Sport when the station is not carrying sports commentaries.

Lose has been offered a job with The Radio Network which he is still considering.

General manager of talk programming, Dallas Gurney, said he was "excited" about Veitch's appointment.

"After a highly successful year hosting Radio Sport breakfast, I am excited Tony has accepted the further challenge of hosting two of Newstalk ZB's flagship sport programmes."

Veitch will continue to host Radio Sport breakfast three days a week, with sports journalist and personality Rikki Swannell hosting the two remaining programmes.

So Pete Montgomery has been given the flick too and who is Rikki Swannell and is she any good?

Many radio talk-back listeners are calling for rugby veteran and sports commentator Willie Lose to be given his job back after being replaced by fellow broadcaster Tony Veitch.

The Radio Network announced on Monday that Veitch will host two new programmes on Newstalk ZB, while Lose is moved aside.

The Herald received dozens of emails from members of the public after a story in yesterday's newspaper.

Social networking sites were also abuzz, with people debating whether or not replacing Lose for Veitch was a good idea.

One reader said: "Well that's me changing channels on Saturday afternoon when I'm working in the garage. Nothing against Veitch but Willie has such a nice manner and lovely voice to listen to - Veitch has a really screeching voice."

Others said they were happy to see Lose go, with another reader saying: "About time he had a wake-up call. I've listened to his show for some time and I'm pleased to see his programme being ignited with new blood."

An online Herald poll showed big support for Lose.

More than 5000 people had voted just after 5pm today in a poll asking which broadcaster they preferred.

Veitch drew in 26 per cent, while Lose was at 45 per cent. A total of 29 per cent of voters voted for neither.

Many other readers said they would not be listening to Veitch because of his past.

Really appreciating Radiosport's easy listening tunes at the moment - much better than that American crap after midnight...