Former Nova radio hosts Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton have publicly addressed their abrupt dismissal from the network and the subsequent enforcement of a gagging clause that silenced them for months. The popular duo, along with co-host Belle Jackson, were informed in September that their contracts would not be renewed, ending their tenure on the Late Drive show.
Sudden Exit and Non-Compete Shock
Initially, their final broadcast was scheduled for December 12, but after news broke in October that they had secured a new breakfast show on KIIS FM Adelaide with the Australian Radio Network (ARN), Nova immediately removed them from the airwaves. Their last Nova show aired on October 24, cutting their run short by nearly two months.
In an interview with News Corp, Ben and Liam expressed surprise that Nova activated a non-compete clause in their contract, which barred them from broadcasting on any other station for six months. "We didn't think they would, but then they did," Liam stated, highlighting the unexpected move that effectively gagged them during this period.
Moving Forward with KIIS FM
Despite the shock, the pair have moved on and are now set to host the breakfast show on KIIS FM Adelaide, formerly known as Mix 102.3, with Belle Jackson serving as producer. Liam reflected on the situation, saying, "We’re here now [at KIIS 1023] and we’re ready to give it a red hot crack." Ben added that the enforced time away from broadcasting provided a fresh perspective, making them more appreciative of their careers. "I think it does make you more grateful that you get to do the job that we do," he noted. "It’s pretty unbelievable that our job is to come in five days a week and talk to each other like that."
Nova's Farewell and Internal Reactions
When news of the trio's departure emerged in October, Nova staff received an email from management describing their final show as "a farewell celebration." Brendan Taylor, Nova's group programming director, praised the team in the message, per TV Blackbox, stating, "Ben, Liam and Belle are a hugely talented team who have delivered excellent results for Nova and developed a unique connection to their audience. They have consistently given their all, and I would like to thank them for being such valued members of the Nova family."
Career Background and Recent Changes
Ben and Liam began their radio careers in Adelaide on community station Fresh 92.7. In 2016, they took over from Matt Okine and Alex Dyson as co-hosts of Triple J's breakfast show. They returned to Adelaide in 2020 to host Nova 91.9's breakfast show before relocating to Melbourne in early 2023. Their departure from Nova came as they were replaced by Lauren Phillips and Jase Hawkins, who launched a new breakfast show on Nova 100 at the start of 2024.
According to Media Week, the trio only learned they were losing their jobs "shortly before" Lauren and Jase participated in a "secret" photo shoot in the Nova studio, adding to the abrupt nature of their exit. This revelation underscores the often unpredictable dynamics within the competitive radio industry, where contract clauses and sudden changes can significantly impact broadcasters' careers.
