The $30 million toe in the water

Australia's radio industry has been left reeling after a senior executive was suspended for inappropriately touching a staff member on stage at the Australian Audio Awards. The incident, which was witnessed by a live audience, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for change.

The Australian Audio Awards, which recognize excellence in radio broadcasting, are a major event in the industry's calendar. this year's ceremony was held at the Carriageworks venue in Sydney, and was attended by many of the country's top radio executives and personalities.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when Guy Ashford, the station manager of Newcastle's 2HD, was congratulating award winner Cheralyn Darcey on stage. Ashford was seen embracing Darcey and then inappropriately touching her on the buttocks with his left hand. The crowd reacted with audible gasps, and Ashford subsequently raised his arms in the air.

The incident has sparked significant industry conversation about workplace conduct and the treatment of women in media. The Australian Audio Awards are a major event in the industry's calendar, and the incident has left many wondering how such behavior could occur on stage at a high-profile event.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The incident has also raised questions about the role of the parent company, Super Radio Network, in addressing workplace harassment. According to reports, the company's Managing Director, Graham Mott, issued an apology to Darcey and her husband, and confirmed that Ashford had been stood down from his executive position pending further discussions.

However, many are left wondering why Ashford was not immediately fired, and what steps the company will take to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about workplace conduct and the treatment of women in media. As one industry insider noted, 'this is a wake-up call for the industry as a whole.'

A familiar pattern from the 2019 crash

The incident has also raised questions about the industry's response to workplace harassment. In 2019, a similar incident occurred at the Australian Radio Awards, when a radio executive was accused of making unwanted advances towards a female colleague.

At the time,the industry was criticized for its slow response to the allegations, and for failing to take adequate action to address the issue.

Now, the industry is facing a similar crisis, and many are left wondering whether the lessons of the past have been learned.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about workplace conduct and the treatment of women in media. as one industry insider noted , 'this is a wake-up call for the industry as a whole.'

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The incident has also raised questions about the role of auditors in addressing workplace harassment. According to reports, auditors flagged concerns about workplace conduct in the company's May filing.

However, it remains unclear what specific actions the company will take to address these concerns, and whether the incident will lead to any changes in the company's policies or procedures.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about workplace conduct and the treatment of women in media. As one industry insider noted, 'this is a wake-up call for the industry as a whole.'

Open questions

Several open questions remain about the incident,including what specific actions the company will take to address workplace harassment, and whether the incident will lead to any changes in the company's policies or procedures.

Additionally, many are left wondering why Ashford was not immediately fired, and what steps the company will take to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about workplace conduct and the treatment of women in media. As one industry insider noted, 'this is a wake-up call for the industry as a whole.'