Senior sports journalist Andrew Webster has confirmed he resigned from his role at SEN Sydney 1170AM, citing frustration with the network’s response to homophobic text messages sent to the station.
The Daily Telegraph reports the long-time Sydney Morning Herald columnist and Australian newspaper writer had been part of the broadcaster since 2020, appearing on the Matty Johns Morning Glory program and co-hosting a Saturday morning slot with Scott Sattler. He stepped away from SEN last week.
Speaking with Buzz Rothfield on a recent podcast, Webster explained his decision.
“I didn’t quit because of the bloke who was texting me. I quit because I asked SEN three times last week to block his number and it just didn’t happen.”
Webster said the messages had been ongoing but became more personal when he filled in on The Run Home with Bryan Fletcher about 10 days ago.
“The guy has been chipping away at me all year, and I just brushed it off.
I asked the next morning for him to be blocked. When I heard his texts being read out that night, I emailed the content director and asked again for him to be blocked.
I got into the studio last Saturday for Saturday League Kick-off and I saw that this bloke still hadn’t been blocked, because his texts were coming through. I was pretty angry.
I asked a staff member for the number to be blocked and he laughed at me. The listener still wasn’t blocked because nobody knew how to do it.
So I resigned when I came off air three hours later. I can’t control what blokes yell from passing cars, or on social media, but I can control where I work.”
Webster, who publicly came out in 2013, said he did not view the matter as a personal defeat.
“I’m not a victim. I’m not a snowflake. I’ve had to deal with a lot worse homophobia than that.
I’ve received a lot of supportive messages the last few days saying not to let the bastards wear me down.
They haven’t. I simply wanted a phone number blocked and when SEN couldn’t do that I resigned on principle.”
In a statement supplied to The Daily Telegraph, SEN chief executive Craig Hutchison said the broadcaster held Webster in high regard and had attempted to address the situation.
“Andrew is a quality person, broadcaster and journalist who we have the highest respect for and really value as a person and contributor to SEN.
Our SEN team works hard to ensure that all our on air talent are treated with respect and care.
Some audience feedback inadvertently reached Andrew which was entirely inappropriate, out of line and won’t be tolerated.
It has been dealt with accordingly.
The door is always open for Andrew to return at any stage.He has our full respect.”
If you, or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, help is available. Please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/
