Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Clinton Maynard is the new host of 2GB’s drive show.
Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard will debut on Monday, 27 January, airing weekdays from 3pm to 6 pm.
Maynard, a four-time ACRA winner and three-time Brian White Award recipient, told Mediaweek he was “in shock” upon hearing the news of his new radio show. “You never quite expect these sorts of things to happen,” he said.
The father of three began his journey with the company as a “15-year-old work experience kid” and has since built a remarkable career in news, covering major stories both locally and internationally. “I’ve been really fortunate to be on the ground for so many big events over the years,” Maynard said.
“I was at the Paris Olympics last year and have reported on numerous Olympic and Commonwealth Games. I was also in the courtroom when Schapelle Corby was sentenced and reported live from the scene.”
Maynard believes his extensive reporting experience gives him an edge as a presenter. “I think I can talk to our listeners with genuine knowledge and a deep understanding of what a story is about because I’ve been there when it happened,” he said.
Clinton Maynard will take over the Drive Show on 2GB.
In 2006, Maynard stepped away from reporting to rise through the management ranks, becoming Content Director at 2UE.
Following the station’s merger with 2GB, he returned to reporting and has since worked “just about every shift you can do at the station,” including overnights and weekends – a challenge he manages with the support of his “very understanding wife.”
Maynard acknowledges the “fine line” journalists must navigate when expressing opinions but notes that as a presenter, he’ll have more freedom in this area. “I’m paid to comment on what [politicians] are doing,” he said.
“While I might know the Premier, the treasurer, or the opposition leader reasonably well away from the microphone, my role is to give an opinion on their policies and the actions they’re taking in office.”
Maynard’s new role follows the departure of former 2GB Drive host Chris O’Keefe, who announced he was leaving to launch a political advocacy company.
Pictured: Clinton Maynard