Cheralyn Darcey, the 2HD presenter at the centre of the Audio Awards groping video, has reported general manager Guy Ashford to management – and according to well-placed industry sources, she is “relieved” and “happy” with how the company has responded internally.
Darcey has since returned to air, continuing to host The Nightline on 2HD from 8 pm to midnight – a move sources say is a deliberate signal of the support she has received from the network.
“She’s genuinely happy with the way the station has reacted,” one source told Mediaweek. “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.”
Darcey is yet to officially address the incident publicly.
Super Radio Network (SRN) declined to comment on the latest information when contacted by Mediaweek.
Cheralyn Darcey
What happened at the awards
Ashford was filmed by multiple audience members at last week’s Audio Awards after approaching the stage when Darcey accepted the best newcomer award.
Video seen by Mediaweek shows him embracing Darcey before grabbing her from behind. Several attendees subsequently contacted Mediaweek and shared the footage.
At the time, SRN managing director Graham Mott confirmed to Mediaweek that Ashford had been “suspended from work,” adding that he had “apologised to Cheralyn and her husband, who was also at the awards.”
“We will be having further discussions regarding the matter,” Mott said.
Darcey acknowledges support
While not addressing the incident directly, Darcey has appeared to reference its fallout in a LinkedIn post thanking those who had supported her.
“There are so many who have raised me up, but two women who come to mind immediately are Andrea Ho and Natalie Pozdeev. Mentors, inspirations and just wonderful humans. So blessed you are both there in my industry and in my life,” she wrote.
Guy Ashford
Ashford’s background
Ashford served as general manager of SRN’s NEWFM and 2HD from 2008 to 2015 before moving to online trading network Bartercard to oversee sales and trading. He rejoined SRN in 2021.
The incident comes amid ongoing speculation about SRN’s ownership future – speculation Mott pushed back against in April, telling Mediaweek the network was “not for sale.”
Main image: A still from the video sent to Mediaweek.