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Former 2Day FM breakfast host Maz Compton joins Hit NSW

Former 2Day FM breakfast host Maz Compton will join Daniel ‘Gawndy’ Gawned on Hit NSW breakfast on a permanent basis, with current host Ash Pollard stepping away from full-time radio.

Pollard has worked with Gawned since 2018, firstly as his breakfast co-host on then 101.3 Sea FM (later Hit 101.3), before the duo were selected to have their show beamed across regional NSW when Southern Cross Austereo called time on a string of regional breakfast shows in 2020.

At the time, SCA cut 19 regional breakfast shows around Australia, redeploying some breakfast hosts where possible, with others leaving the network entirely.

Maz Compton joins Hit NSW Breakfast with Daniel ‘Gawndy’ Gawned

SCA chief content officer, Dave Cameron, told Mumbrella he’s pleased with how the new strategy is going.

“We are very happy with the performance and strength of our state based supershows across the Hit Network, including how each of them engage with their individual communities and clients. Recent positive Breakfast ratings results for the Hit Network, across Maryborough and Kingaroy in Queensland and Albany in W.A, have shown that this approach has been successful.

“In addition, we are also particularly happy with our new locally delivered Mornings shifts in all our regional markets. They are delivering on new content and sales initiatives during local business hours in each of our communities, which is a big competitive advantage for our Hit stations locally.”

Pollard will remain with the Hit Network in a casual capacity, and she thanked the Central Coast audience for their support over her time on breakfast.

“It’s not always you get partnered with someone that brings out the best in you on air. I will always appreciate Gawndy for allowing me to be me. Our chemistry was quite unique. We worked. I’ll miss that!”

“The Central Coast was good to me, the people were kind, warm and forever welcoming. Thank you to our listeners and regular callers for your unwavering support every morning.”

Gawned added: “I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing co-hosts over my time and Ash is right up there with the best of them. I wish Ash and Pete all the best with parenthood and can’t wait to hear Ash pop up on air again at some point soon.”

As for Compton, she is familiar with the gig already, having filled in for Pollard when she took maternity leave. It’s a full-time return to the network, after she spent a year hosting breakfast on 2Day FM with Dan Debuf in 2015, as part of a four-year stint with the Hit Network, during which she also hosted weekend breakfast and drive with Debuf.

She said: “Hosting the breakfast show in your home state is a dream! I grew up in this state listening to the radio every morning – secretly hoping Wendy Harmer and I would be friends one day – and now I’m married, raising my own family, and forcing them to listen to me on the radio every morning!” Maz said.

“It’s great that Ash will be staying with the Hit Network in her new role. I love seeing strong and fierce women in this industry rise to the top and she’s certainly one of them.”

On the changes, SCA Group Content Director, Jase Allen said: “Ash has achieved incredible things during her time on the Coast, including Number One breakfast show results, which is a testament to her likeability and relatability to our listeners across the region.

“We’re thrilled to have Maz join Hit NSW Breakfast alongside Gawndy, she’s extremely passionate and has fit in so effortlessly. We look forward to welcoming Maz to the team full time and finishing 2021 off strong.”

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