Cheralyn Darcey ‘worked all her life’ to win an award. Then, as she stepped onto stage, her boss subjected her to inappropriate conduct in front of the crowd. Now, through tears, she tells the Daily Mail about the devastating consequence: ‘Wrecked’
A radio host who experienced inappropriate workplace conduct from her boss at an industry awards ceremony says the episode ‘wrecked’ the experience of receiving a major accolade but has vowed to continue presenting her program.
Cheralyn Darcey, whose late-night show is syndicated out of 2HD in Newcastle, won a best on-air newcomer honour at the Australian Audio Awards held in Sydney last week.
As Darcey went to collect her award at Redfern’s Carriageworks, 2HD general manager Guy Ashford rushed on stage, hugged and twirled his employee around, then engaged in highly inappropriate physical contact.
The incident, which shocked a crowd of Ashford and Darcey’s peers, was captured on video and the veteran executive was subsequently stood down.
Distraught Darcey told Daily Mail on Monday afternoon she did not want to discuss what had happened at the ceremony on Thursday night.
‘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.
‘I’ve worked all my life for this. I feel like people just think I’m a joke now.’
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.
Radio host Cheralyn Darcey, who was subjected to inappropriate conduct by her boss at an industry awards ceremony, says the episode ‘wrecked’ receiving a major accolade.
As Darcey went to collect her award at Carriageworks, 2HD general manager Guy Ashford rushed on stage, hugged and twirled his employee around, then engaged in inappropriate physical contact (above).
For Darcey it was business as usual as she hosted her popular talk-back radio show on Monday.
She has been a presenter at 2HD since February 2024, having worked as a gardening journalist on the Central Coast, and as a freelance artist and author.
‘I worked so hard to get here,’ Darcey said through tears. ‘I know I sound like a piece of crap at the moment.
‘I’m in my 50s. I only got into commercial radio two years ago after working so hard to get here to be on a national show, and I’m not letting anybody keep me off air tonight.’
After Ashford engaged in the inappropriate physical contact at the awards ceremony, he threw his arms in the air as the audience gasped.
One of the awards hosts could be heard saying, ‘All right…’ while another said: ‘That radio spirit is still alive and well.’
‘That’s why we cancelled the ACRAs (Australian Commercial Radio Awards), that’s why we cancelled the ACRAs,’ the second host added.
Several outraged attendees spoke out about what they had witnessed.
‘What a grub,’ one told Mediaweek. ‘I feel so sorry for Cheralyn.’
Darcey is pictured with her award.
The incident of inappropriate behavior, which shocked a crowd of Ashford and Darcey’s peers, was captured on video and the veteran executive (above) was subsequently stood down.
After Ashford behaved unprofessionally at the awards ceremony he threw his arms in the air (above) as the audience gasped.
Super Radio Network managing director Graham Mott apologised to Darcey and her husband – who was at the ceremony – and said Ashford had been ‘suspended from work’.
‘We will be having further discussions regarding the matter,’ he told Mediaweek.
Darcey shared a video on social media of herself receiving her award but did not include the moment she was subjected to the inappropriate conduct 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.’
Ashford joined the Super Radio Network in May 2021 and has previously held management roles with Newcastle FM and Central Coast Radio.
He began his radio career as an announcer, working at stations including 2LF Young, 2MC Kempsey/Port Macquarie, 2RG Griffith, 2DoubleO Wollongong, 2GO Gosford, KOFM Newcastle and 2SM.
