James Willis takes over 2GB Drive in Tapt Media reshuffle

James Willis will replace Clinton Maynard as host of 2GB Drive from Monday, October 5, as Tapt Media appoints Maynard national news director and promotes Penny Ghosn to head of digital growth.

Maynard will also take over from Willis as host of Money News, alongside responsibility for national news strategy and content across 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR.

Ghosn will oversee Tapt Media’s off-platform distribution strategy, working with its radio and podcast divisions to grow reach, engagement and commercial revenue.

Ghosn moves into digital growth

Tapt Media CEO Tom Malone said Ghosn’s promotion followed 18 months overseeing news and introducing a streamlined news offering across the network’s talk stations.

“I want to thank Penny for her terrific stewardship of news over the past 18 months. Yesterday we launched our new streamlined news offering across all of our talk stations, and next week a new digital format will launch. Later this year, we’ll launch a new service for our regional partners. Penny has delivered all of this with great leadership.

“As we transform into a digital media business, I’m delighted Penny can now dedicate 100 per cent of her time to working with our radio and digital teams to supercharge our off-platform distribution strategy.”

The appointment gives Ghosn a dedicated role in expanding distribution beyond the network’s own platforms as Tapt Media develops its digital business.

Willis takes the Drive chair

Willis began his media career at 2GB, spending more than a decade at the station as a sports reporter and senior producer. He returned to the network this year to host Money News and work as a regular fill-in presenter.

Tapt Media national content manager Greg Byrnes said Willis’ experience would support the change in the afternoon slot.

“James will offer a seamless transition for Drive listeners across Sydney. He started his career at 2GB and has earned our audience's trust and respect through his excellent work on Breakfast and Money News. He understands what our listeners want from Drive, and he has the experience and the energy to deliver it."

READ MORE: Tom Malone bets on TAPT Media as radio’s next power play goes national and digital

Maynard takes national news role

Maynard began as a cadet at 2UE in 1997, working as a crime and political reporter before becoming the station’s news director and content director.

He has won four Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including the Brian White Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2022, 2023 and 2024. He has also won a Kennedy Award and been a Walkley Award finalist.

"Clinton is one of the most respected journalists in talk radio, and brings unmatched authority to his new dual role. Directing his energy and experience into Money News while steering our news teams nationwide is a big win for our listeners and our business,” Byrnes said.

2GB Drive with James Willis will air weekdays from 3pm to 6pm. Money News with Clinton Maynard will air nationally from 7pm, Monday to Thursday. Both shows begin on October 5.