Ric Salizzo
Ric Salizzo is a revered figure in New Zealand sports media, known for his influential work as a journalist, television presenter, and producer.
He has left an indelible mark on sports broadcasting with a career that spans several decades and includes groundbreaking shows like "SportsCafe" and "The Crowd Goes Wild."
Ric's career began in radio, but he gained widespread recognition after joining TVNZ's sports reporting team in 1986. He soon became the national sports news presenter and co-founded Pasta Productions, producing acclaimed All Black documentaries such as "The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby."
In 1996, Ric launched "SportsCafe," a sports chat show that blended sports analysis with humour and irreverence. The show, which ran until 2005 with subsequent revivals in 2008 and 2011, became a cult favourite. It featured notable personalities like Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart, and it gained a loyal following for its unique mix of interviews, skits, and playful antics.
Ric has also been pivotal in the success of "The Crowd Goes Wild," a flagship sports news show on Prime TV, where he serves as the executive producer and occasional presenter.
In July 2024, Ric announced the exciting return of "SportsCafe" in a new format as a podcast, reuniting with original cast members Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart. The show will leverage modern platforms like YouTube and social media to reach a broader audience, promising the same blend of humour and sports commentary that made it a hit.
Ric's contributions to sports media have been recognised with numerous accolades, including being appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021 for his services to sports media.
