Ten motorsport presenter Matt White has been appointed the network’s head of sport in addition to his on-air roles.
White replaces Dave Barham, who has departed Ten to run the Seven Network’s cricket coverage for which it recently acquired rights to broadcast.
He will still be seen onscreen, including as host of Ten’s Virgin Australia Supercars Championship telecasts and RPM.
“Now is the perfect time for Ten Sport to build on our existing platform of live sports broadcasts and sports programming, and I can’t wait to lead the charge,” said White.
“We have great people who are passionate, innovative and committed to delivering what our viewers want – more of the sports they love on free-to-air television.
“Ten Sport is open for business, so watch this space.”
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White will report to chief content officer Beverley McGarvey, who added, “Matt is one of the most experienced and versatile television presenters in Australia, with a career that spans sport, special events, news and current affairs.
“I’m delighted that he has agreed to take on the new role of head of sport, while continuing to appear on air for us.”
White first appeared on Ten’s Supercars coverage towards the back end of 2001 before becoming a permanent commentator in 2002.
He moved to Seven in 2004 and called most of its Supercars telecasts when the rights changed hands in 2007, before returning to Ten in mid-2014.
White became host when Supercars too returned to Ten in 2015, though only for events simulcast live on free-to-air, with commentary provided by Supercars Media personalities and Fox Sports’ Mark Skaife.
He also fronts the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Wallabies matches for Ten, in addition to other roles.
Ten’s stable of sporting properties has shrunk in recent times, most recently with the loss of the highly popular Big Bash League to Seven and Fox Sports.
It also suddenly gave up live telecast rights to all F1 races except for the AGP last September.
The lack of significant sports rights comes despite being bought by American television giant CBS after going into administration last year.
Supercars’ current television rights deal with Fox Sports and Ten expires at the end of 2020.
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