2HD general manager Guy Ashford has been suspended from his duties following an incident at last week’s Audio Awards.
Ashford was filmed by several people in the audience as he went onto the stage after 2HD presenter Cheralyn Darcey, who hosts The Nightline on 2HD from 8pm to midnight, won the “best newcomer” award.
Video seen by Mediaweek shows Ashford embracing Darcey before grabbing her from behind.
Several attendees who witnessed the incident contacted Mediaweek and shared the footage.
“What a grub,” one source told Mediaweek. “I feel so sorry for Cheralyn.”
Cheralyn Darcey
The Super Radio Network, which owns 2HD, has confirmed Ashford has been stood down while the matter is addressed.
SRN managing director Graham Mott told Mediaweek Ashford had been “suspended from work”.
Mott said he had also “apologised to Cheralyn and her husband, who was also at the awards”.
“We will be having further discussions regarding the matter,” he said.
Ashford was general manager of SRN’s NEWFM and 2HD from 2008 to 2015. He then moved to online trading network Bartercard, where he oversaw sales and trading, before rejoining the Super Radio Network in 2021.
Guy Ashford
The latest incident comes amidst the backdrop of talk SRN is up for sale.
Mott pushed back against speculation about the company’s future ownership, telling Mediaweek back in April that the network was “not for sale”.
Main image: A still from the video sent to Mediaweek.