Two months after sacking Marty Sheargold following his shocking outburst about the Matildas, Triple M is dominating the Brisbane radio airwaves.
Owned by SCA Radio, Triple M finished number one overall in the latest survey – and in further good news, the new Triple M Rush Hour Queensland show, hosted by Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin and Elliott Lovejoy is said to be already resonating with its audience.
‘Triple M’s return to Number 1 in Brisbane is a standout achievement and testament to the brand’s enduring local power,’ SCA’s chief content officer Dave Cameron said.
Nova FM breakfast trio Ash Bradnam, David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral and comedian Nikki Osborne also impressed in Brisbane, snaring 13.6 per cent to claim honours in the highly competitive breakfast slot ahead of Triple M (13.2 per cent).
In late February, Triple M axed host Sheargold after he was blasted for comments about the Matildas that were branded un-Australian, sexist and disgusting.
The actor and comedian, 53, made the remarks on his radio show as he reacted to the team’s 2-1 loss to the USA at the SheBelieves Cup, which came on the heels of their 4-0 loss to Japan to open the tournament.
Two months after sacking Marty Sheargold following his shocking outburst about the Matildas, Triple M are dominating Brisbane radio
In late February, Triple M axed host Marty Sheargold after he was blasted for comments about the Matildas that were branded un-Australian, sexist and disgusting (pictured, Matildas captain Sam Kerr)
Sheargold told listeners ‘there’s something wrong with the Matildas’ before comparing the team to ‘Year 10 girls’ and asking if superstar striker Sam Kerr and her fiancée Kristie Mewis ‘play the same position.’
When his co-hosts tried to continue discussing the SheBelieves Cup, Sheargold jumped in, exclaiming: ‘Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.’
Following intense public backlash, Triple M released a statement, stating they had ‘mutually agreed to part ways’ with the radio star.
SCA’s chief content officer Dave Cameron said at the time: ‘Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways.
‘Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.
‘Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.
‘A new Drive show will be announced in due course. Triple M acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future.’
Sheargold also released a statement on his exit from the radio network, adding an apology to the Matildas for his ‘sexist’ remarks.
Following intense public backlash, Triple M released a statement, stating they had ‘mutually agreed to part ways’ with Marty Sheargold (pictured, Matildas star Mary Fowler)
NRL great Nathan Hindmarsh (pictured, right) is one of the replacements for Marty Sheargold on Triple M
‘Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments,’ he said.
‘I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation.’
Following Sheargold’s ignorant remarks about Kerr and her fiancée Mewis, the conversation then moved to Australia hosting the women’s Asian Cup next year.
‘Oh god. The Asian Cup,’ Sheargold said.
‘I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that. Got any men’s sport?’
His outburst was described as ‘outrageous’ by interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, who was part of a chorus of criticism.
Sheargold was also condemned by Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells, Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler, Football Australia and the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia.
Last month, Triple M confirmed footy great Nathan Hindmarsh will help replace Sheargold after his now infamous Matildas’ comments.
In Sydney, the Rush Hour show – which started on April 28 – is hosted by NRL legend Hindmarsh, along with broadcaster Anthony Maroon and sports reporter Adam Peacock.
NRLW stars Millie Elliott and Keeley Davis also joined the team, with the Brisbane version of the show hosted by sports commentator Ben Dobbin.
