An executive from the radio industry has been dismissed after a troubling incident involving the inappropriate touching of a female colleague during an awards event.
Cheralyn Darcey, recognized for her late-night program broadcast from Newcastle’s 2HD, received the Best On-Air Newcomer award at the Australian Audio Awards in Sydney last week.
During the award ceremony at Carriageworks in Redfern, 2HD’s general manager, Guy Ashford, unexpectedly joined Darcey on stage. In a shocking move, he hugged her, spun her around, and then inappropriately touched her.
The unsettling act was caught on camera, with audience members audibly gasping at the scene.
In response, the Super Radio Network promptly suspended Ashford, leading to his eventual dismissal.
“Yes, he’s gone,” confirmed Graham Mott, the SRN chief executive, during an interview with Mediaweek on Friday.
Staff were informed of the decision via email, the publication reported.
‘Guy Ashford has finished his employment as general manager of 2HD and NEW FM. We wish him well for the future,’ Mott wrote.
2HD general manager Guy Ashford has had his employment terminated by Super Radio Network
He groped female colleague Cheralyn Darcey at an industry awards night last Thursday
SRN will now ‘immediately commence a search for a general manager to lead our Newcastle operation.’
Daily Mail has contacted Mr Mott for further comment.
It comes after Darcey reported her boss to management and was said to be ‘relieved’ and ‘happy’ with how SRN has responded internally.
Mott apologised to Darcey and her husband, who also attended the awards night, earlier in the week.
‘She’s genuinely happy with the way the station has reacted,’ one source told the Mediaweek earlier on Friday.
‘People probably expected her not to go back on air, but it’s her way of showing that she’s getting the support from the network she needs.’
The incident has not been reported to NSW Police, a spokeswoman said on Thursday.
Ashford joined the Super Radio Network in May 2021 and has previously held management roles with Newcastle FM and Central Coast Radio.
Cheralyn Darcey is said to be ‘relieved’ and ‘happy’ with how SRN has responded internally
Ashford was stood down by Super Radio Network over the incident and subsequently had his employment terminated
Ashford’s professional background was in sales, rather than radio presenting or news, which often caused friction with journalists.
One Newcastle broadcaster who has worked in radio and television for more than 30 years told Daily Mail that Ashford ‘always seemed like a used car salesman’.
‘I’ve never been a big fan of the bloke,’ he said.
‘This couldn’t have happened to a nicer a***hole.’
The broadcaster described Ashford as ‘an old-fashioned schmooze’ who enjoyed entertaining clients in private boxes at home games of the Knights in the NRL or the Jets in soccer’s A-League.
‘He’s like a younger version of Les Patterson,’ the media veteran said, referring to the late comedian Barry Humphries’ fictional diplomat and cultural attaché.
Darcey hosts The Nightline, an 8pm to midnight program broadcast on the Super Radio Network to stations including 2SM, and was named best on-air newcomer in a medium market.
Earlier in the week, a distraught Darcey told Daily Mail she did not want to discuss what had happened at the ceremony.
‘I don’t really want to talk to anybody,’ she said. ‘It’s wrecked my award, that’s all. I really don’t want to make any statement. I just can’t.
Darcey is pictured with her award
‘I’ve worked all my life for this. I feel like people just think I’m a joke now.’
Darcey shared a video on social media of herself receiving her award but did not include the moment she was groped by Ashford.
‘These are the moments that mattered,’ Darcey said. ‘I’m still a little stunned…’
‘One of the highlights was catching up with so many talented people I’ve worked with, admired, and learned from throughout my radio journey, while also meeting some wonderful new friends along the way.
‘Most importantly, thank you to everyone who chooses to spend part of their day or night listening to Australian radio.
‘And a very special thank you to the Nightliners across Australia who tune in, call, email, share their stories, and make The Nightline what it is.’
