One of the best known racing media identities, Ken Callander, has resigned from his weekly column with the Daily Telegraph, leaving a decorated history at News Limited.
Callander spoke freely of his reasoning.
“I resigned on what I believe was a matter of principle,” said Callander in comments to Racenet.
“For some time I don’t believe I had total editorial freedom when commenting on Racing NSW.
“Hence I didn’t believe it to be fair that I then criticise and comment on others whether they be stewards, jockeys, trainers, track managers or whatever.
“The decision to resign was an easy one.”
It is understood that Racing NSW has a commercial partnership with News Limited and the Telegraph, in which the Telegraph produce a detailed form for Racing NSW in the newspaper, as well as other marketing and advertising contributions.
Callander’s comments come as the industry speculates on the editorial influence exerted by the peak body in the state of NSW on editorial departments.
“I’ve had a terrific run at the Telegraph and in racing and enjoyed it immensely,” he said to Racenet.
“I’m proud that I’m thought to be one of the voices in racing for punters and the people on the track that aren’t in the committee rooms.
“I’ve had a great life in racing and I think I’ve always been honest and because of that on principle I think it’s time to pull the plug.”
Bondy
Guest
That stories up on ABC 's Iveiw , I have to say I didn't find Ken to be a viscous scribe ...
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Mediawatch is about to look at Kenny Cal! Stay tuned... 9:20pm.
Bondy
Guest
Cheers for that JC interesting .
Jason Cornell
Expert
Max Presnell interviews Kenny http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/newsradio/audio/hoofonthetill/201505/r1425210_20523343.mp3
Jason Cornell
Expert
Dr Turf on SEN in Melbourne just reported that Kenny resigned after a direct call was made to the Daily Tele editor re a comment re a conflict of interest in Kenny's article. Wow - I hope that didn't read his article in 2011 when John Messara was appointed Chairman on Racing NSW. The article is still available online unlike the recent one that was deleted. The article : http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/superracing/why-john-messaras-wrong-for-role-as-nsw-racing-chairman-ken-callander/story-fn67rc85-1226223313724 Some of Kenny's pretty blunt commentary "There is no doubt Messara is a smart man, a successful businessman with plenty of charisma and indeed he has a love of racing and a good knowledge of many facets of it. But a conflict of interest he definitely has. Messara is not popular in the racing industry. Three times he stood for election for the committees of the AJC and the STC and was beaten at the polls each time. He offered himself for the Board of the Australian Turf Club and was not successful in the selection process"
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Good thoughts Jason.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Ken is a very decent chap who advised he's likely to be off into the sunset following a great career.
Jason Cornell
Expert
I wonder what Kenny would have written about today? Maybe the great win of Alberto Magic and his trainer Allan Denham and his current strike rate with 9 winners in last 50 starts. And a photo of the trophy presentation for the Kenny Callendar Cup! He might have had something to say about the vision on Saturday and we jumped from Group 1's in Brisbane and Adelaide whilst still trying to highlight Sydney and Melbourne. I am sure he would have a had a comment about 5 wins for Blake Shinn and a reference to his long suspension for betting and his courageous comeback. Even a wag in the betting ring who told Kenny that Shinn had "pants" them in Brissy. He might have referenced the Warrnambool carnival and chief Stipe Ray Murrihy catch up with his Warrnambool cousin Des Glesson. He might have had a comment about Jason Collet riding a huge priced running double for Chris Waller and would have probably said congrats to the ATC for the running of the Darley Crown and Hawksbury Guineas and his old friend a Hawksbury member liked that he had free reciprocal membership and attended Rosehill for first time in 5 years- but what happened to the betting ring? But we wont know - hope the Daily Tele can give a racing personality a regular gig on the Monday.
Adam Page
Roar Guru
Cracking idea Tim. Powers at be, look into this!
Paul Peters
Guest
It appears so many people are unhappy with the direction Racing NSW is taking yet nothing changes. TVN going was dumb. Racing in Australia will be poorer for it. Something needs to change.
Tim
Guest
Kenny joining roar?
peeeko
Roar Guru
agree with Scott, i hope he ends up at a good publication soon
Bondy
Guest
Good post Scott, its interesting how we view news in a modern world and its meaning or hidden agenda ...
Roughnut
Guest
Freedom of the press? Hardly! Things have come to a sorry state when racing's ruling body dictates the editorial policy of a leading newspaper.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Racing NSW have taken TVN from us and now Kenny is gone. What a disgrace by the Daily Telegraph to muzzle one of the few journos who actually is prepared to say what he thinks and does not care if he treads on toes. Shame! Be prepared for more suck up media about Racing NSW, the ATC and off course their bed partner, the TAB.
Mike from Tari
Guest
It's amazing that Kenny worked with Murdoch for so long, he should have resigned years ago when News Ltd kicked Souths out of the Competition.
josh
Roar Rookie
Newspapers have always had an agenda. Nowadays it's more obvious.
Bondy
Guest
Its a sign of the times nowadays nobodies allowed speak freely and we claim to be a democratic nation .