The real reason Dave Hughes' radio show was axed
An insider has revealed the real reason behind the sudden axing of 2Day FM's Hughesy, Ed and Erin breakfast show, just hours after it was announced that the show was being pulled off the air.
After three years on air, it was announced on Wednesday night that the show had come to an immediate end.
The breakfast hosts Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan shared a statement announcing their departure.
"We've loved our time together on 2DayFM Breakfast, however, due to some of our families living in different cities we are unable to commit to 2025, so with a heavy heart we are moving aside so 2DayFM can find the team to take them forward in Breakfast," the co-hosts said.
"We are so grateful to Sydney for their support, and to double the number of listeners in three years is something we are immensely proud of, and we will miss each and every one of them."
The axing seemingly came out of nowhere, with many wondering what prompted the sudden change.
Now, news.com.au claims that 2Day FM bosses had long been pressuring Hughesy to move to Sydney full time.
For years, the popular comedian had been commuting to Sydney from Melbourne, where his wife and kids are based.
Both Hughesy and his family had grown tired of the commute, and as a result, Hughesy informed executives at Southern Cross Austereo (the network that owns 2Day FM) that he wouldn’t be relocating to Sydney permanently, and therefore could not commit to another year on the breakfast show.
On top of the commuting issues, the popular radio show had a shocker in the latest round of radio ratings which were released last month.
The trio recorded just a 3.6 per cent audience share, a long way behind Sydney’s FM market leaders Kyle and Jackie O (14.1 cent) and Jonesy and Amanda (8.1 per cent).
News.com.au understands that Dave Cameron, Southern Cross Austereo’s Chief Content Officer, finally decided to bite the bullet and called a snap meeting with the breakfast hosts after Wednesday morning’s show to inform them the show would be cancelled.
The trio were told they could return for one final show on Thursday to say goodbye, but ultimately the hosts decided against it.
Image credits: 2Day FM / Instagram