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Breaking News: Clinton Maynard Named New 2GB Drive Host; Replaces Departed On-Air Stars

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9Radio unveiled the last missing piece in its programming lineup, aiming to reinforce its broadcast team after the surprising exit of two prominent on-air personalities.

Clinton Maynard has been assigned to permanently host the crucial prime-time show at Nine’s main Sydney station, following his impressive performances during the winter hiatus, which caught the attention of Nine’s executive team.

On-air during Friday morning broadcast, Maynard shared the news, expressing that the decision was unexpectedly surprising yet deeply honored to receive the chance to manage the prestigious timeslot, alongside new co-host Mark Levy.

At the age of 15, back in 1991, I had my first job placement at 2GB radio station located on Sussex Street. For a whole week, I worked alongside the Drive Show team, as the father of three shared later on.

30 years after being chosen for the original show, getting another chance to host it feels like a long-held dream realized – it’s as if I can hardly believe it.

Later, Maynard expressed gratitude towards Tom Malone, the chief at Nine Radio, Greg Byrnes as the head of content, and Luke Davis in his role as content manager, for providing him with the opportunity to host his own radio show.

He expressed his eagerness to discuss topics important to our daily Sydney audience, interspersed with some enjoyable chuckles,” he stated.

The sad news about the Cronulla Sharks’ appointment solidifies the station’s roster in preparation for the upcoming initial ratings survey, which starts next week. As the talkback team, spearheaded by popular breakfast radio host Ben Fordham, gears up before the approaching federal election, they are igniting with enthusiasm.

Ray Hadley, a renowned figure in talkback radio for two decades at 2GB’s flagship Sydney station, bid farewell to his listeners last month following his decision to leave radio broadcasting after an impressive 43-year career in the industry.

Shortly after Hadley finished work at the station during the last day of ratings season, Chris O’Keefe, the station’s tough-talking afternoon host, astounded his audience by announcing his immediate resignation.

The sudden departures sparked a significant reorganization within the influential radio station, as its management hurriedly appointed fresh on-air personalities.

In a recent change, well-known Sports Wide World presenter, Mark Levy, was tasked with replacing Hadley, while Adam Hawse, previously in Levy’s role as a sports reporter, was promoted to that position.

Over the summer vacation, many theories about who might replace O’Keefe have circulated widely. Notable candidates mentioned include Jason Morrison, a former star at 2GB, and James Willis from The Daily Telegraph, both of whom are rumored to be strong possibilities for the position.

In 1997, Maynard began working at 2UE, which was once a competing station to 2GB’s sister station, as a trainee journalist. Over time, he handled crime and politics reporting roles, and later ascended to the position of news and content director.

In my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a host for News Talk shows on stations like 2UE, Macquarie Sports Radio, and 2GB. Currently, I’m the Weekday Overnights host and the regular stand-in presenter during the drive time on 2GB Drive.

Longtime station employee John Stanley will temporarily replace Clinton Maynard as host for a week starting January 27, after which Clinton will officially take over hosting duties for the Sydney Now program.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t hide my excitement when I say that, ultimately, it was none other than Maynard who stood out as the perfect fit for that highly anticipated slot.

Clinton has made a lifetime commitment to the field of talk radio. He’s an expert who knows how to captivate listeners with compelling stories, keep them engaged, and build strong connections with his audience,” he commented.

In the dawning age of the 2GB Drive, and with the federal elections approaching, nobody could be more suited to analyze the topics crucial to Sydney commuters as they journey home.

For several months, O’Keefe found himself grappling with the choice to leave. Eventually, he concluded that it was appropriate to part ways and step down from the radio station – as well as his journalistic career entirely – in December.

After having had a wonderful 13-year journey at Nine and an equally enjoyable stint at 2GB, I feel it’s the perfect moment for me to take the step to part ways and embark on new adventures.

Speaking about his family, the man with one child expressed his excitement for spending more moments with his wife, Yvonne Sampson from Fox League, and their two-year-old son, Henry. He aspired to provide the same nurturing care and attention that he experienced during his upbringing to his own loved ones.

He expressed his gratitude to his parents, Shellie and Greg, for instilling in him and his sister, Lauren, a strong work ethic and sense of decency. This upbringing, he explained to his audience, has been instrumental in enabling us to achieve what we have.

Frequently, I find myself pondering about emulating the kind of parents my Mum and Dad were to me, yet I acknowledge that it’s an incredibly lofty goal, as they truly excel at their roles.

‘And, look, I would be nothing without my wife, Vonny. She is the most extraordinary human being.

She is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most gifted and admired sportscasters, yet many are unaware of the full extent of her abilities.

‘Through Vonny, I discovered a resilience within myself that I never knew existed. Her extraordinary resilience and kindness are almost supernatural. Oh, how fortunate I am!’

It’s amusing that our paths crossed when I was a novice journalist, while Vonny wasn’t yet involved in rugby league broadcasting.

Throughout our journey, she’s always rejoiced and boosted our achievements at each turn. Twelve years have flown by, yet they seem like just a blink of an eye.

Isn’t it clear that we have a fantastic relationship? I adore her so deeply that I am fully aware of our good fortune, Henry and I.

Originally working in television production for Channel Ten, O’Keefe was subsequently recruited by Nine’s Gold Coast office. He expressed that he plans to maintain a role in the media as he establishes his own political and media advocacy company, which he will be managing from now on.

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2025-01-17 02:05

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