A radio executive has been suspended after allegedly groping a presenter on stage during the Australian Audio Awards in Sydney last week. Guy Ashford, the general manager of Newcastle’s regional radio station 2HD, was stood down following the incident at Carriageworks on Thursday night, according to Mediaweek.
Incident at Awards Ceremony
In a video shot from the audience, 2HD presenter Cheralyn Darcey appeared on stage to collect her Best Newcomer award for her show The Nightline when Ashford rushed onto the stage to give her a congratulatory hug. The veteran executive then twirled her around before allegedly grabbing Darcey’s backside with his left hand, shocking the crowd. One host of the night remarked, “All right …”, while another added, “That radio spirit is still alive and well,” and “That’s why we cancelled the ACRAs (Australian Commercial Radio Awards).”
Witness Reactions
Several attendees told Mediaweek they felt “so sorry for Cheralyn” and described Ashford as “a grub.” The Super Radio Network (SRN), which owns 2HD, confirmed via managing director Graham Mott that Ashford had been suspended from work. Mott said he had “apologised to Cheralyn and her husband, who was also at the awards,” and added, “We will be having further discussions regarding the matter.” News.com.au has contacted both Ashford and SRN for comment.
Darcey’s Response
Despite the incident, Darcey later posted on Facebook about her “incredible night” at the awards. She wrote, “What an incredible night at the Australian Audio Awards. These are the moments that mattered. I’m still a little stunned to have been awarded Best Newcomer On-Air Medium Market. It was absolutely not something I expected, and I’m genuinely honoured and grateful.” She also highlighted catching up with talented people and making new friends.
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