Dannevirke: Radio duo to kick off sports show

Buck MacKay and Pat Walshe at Radio Dannevirke, preparing for tonight's first sports show, the Activate Gym Show, from 5pm to 6pm. Photo / Christine McKay

Television has The Crowd Goes Wild and now two sports-mad Dannevirke mates are taking to the radio-waves with their own evening sports show.

Pat Walshe and Buck MacKay flick the switch on the Activate Gym Show tonight between 5 and 6pm, with plenty of interest for followers of all sport.

"It'll be news, views and interviews," Mr Walshe said.

But he admits it may not be all plain sailing as he gets to grips with the control panel at Dannevirke Radio on 140.2FM.

"I'd sooner be flying a 747 than work the studio switchboard," he said.

"At least with a 747 you can put it into auto pilot."

And Mr MacKay promises there are plenty of stories to tell about each other in the quiet moments.

"But first of all we want to give air time to all those involved in sport around the district because there are plenty of clubs out there," he said. Tonight there will be an interview with major sponsor Erana Petti Webber and Mr Walshe is hopeful Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd will also be on air.

Music man and experienced radio host Murray Cushing said the sports show would soon build a strong following, but he had a few words of wisdom for tonight's two likely lads.

"Two guys just sitting and talking, it'll be a challenge, but I think the banter will be good."

Mr Cushing said Radio Dannevirke was booming with a new presenter Jaycob Sandbrook on air on Monday and Emily Mott entertaining the children between 8am and 10am on Sundays.

"If you're a keen sportsperson or a fan of radio, tune in tonight for the first of what promises to be an interesting look at sport."

Mr Walshe is also hosting today's 4pm to 5pm Pat's Picks music hour, although his choices didn't go down too well with his wife.

"I played Engelbert Humperdinck's Please Release Me.

"I didn't get a good response from her," he said.