A DISGRACED radio boss accused of groping a female presenter on camera at an awards show has been sacked.
Guy Ashford was when she came up on stage to collect a best newcomer award.
The moment Guy Ashford was filmed touching employee Cheralyn Darcey inappropriately at an awards show last week Credit: Supplied
Ashford has now been sacked as general manager of 2HD and NEW FM Credit: New Media
Ashford, the general manager for top Australian radio network 2HD, was seen cheering in front of a shocked audience afterwards.
He was suspended by Super Radio Network (SRN), the owners of 2HD, last week before officially having his contract ripped up on Friday.
SRN chief executive Graham Mott told Mediaweek on Friday: “Yes, he’s gone.
‘”Guy Ashford has finished his as general manager of 2HD and NEW FM. We wish him well for the future.”
Cheralyn has bravely returned to air since the Australian Audio Awards fiasco to host The Nightline on 2HD Credit: Facebook
Ashford threw his hands in the air in celebration as crowd members could be heard gasping Credit: Supplied
Staff were all informed of the decision via email.
Cheralyn has bravely returned to air since the Australian Audio Awards fiasco to host The Nightline on 2HD.
She is yet to publicly address the viral footage but is believed to have reported Ashford’s actions at the time.
Sources close to the upcoming radio star said the news of Ashford’s sacking has left her “relieved”.
They said: “She’s genuinely happy with the way the station has reacted.
“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.”
Ashford had apologised to Cheralyn and her husband, who was in the crowd at the awards show, before his contract was terminated.
SRN will now “immediately commence a search for a general manager” to lead the Newcastle operation into the future, Mott added.
Footage from the awards show caught Ashford jumping around on stage at Carriageworks in as Cheralyn went up to accept best radio newcomer.
The chief pulled her into a tight embrace before spinning Cheralyn around several times and grabbing her on the backside with his left hand.
Crowd members can be heard gasping, before Ashford throws his hands in the air in celebration.
“Alright…” says one of the award hosts after the awkward moment.
Cheralyn had posted a video of herself receiving the award, but didn’t include the shocking moment.
She wrote alongside the footage: “These are the moments that mattered.
“I’m still a little stunned to have been awarded Best Newcomer On-Air Medium Market.
“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 who tune in, call, email, share their stories, and make The Nightline what it is.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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