What's New
BY RadioToday Network April 9, 2024
What's New March 25, 2019
Ray Hadley accused of bullying by former producer
Former 2GB producer Chris Bowen has levelled accusations of bullying at Ray Hadley.
In an explosive Facebook post, Bowen accused a former colleague of “16 years of intense bullying”, in a post that also spoke about mental health problems that he suffered following the death of his parents.
“I can’t bring myself to name the person, because even with my new found clarity and insight I fear their unpredictability,” he wrote.
“This person is incredibly intelligent, a pure genius at getting out of a sticky spot. Plus is backed by much more coin then me!
“But then again you don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to work it out.”
Bowen has since confirmed to News Corp that Hadley was indeed the person he was writing about.
“I was subjected to vile and inexcusable behaviour,” wrote Bowen. “I know many of you have witnessed what I’m talking about.
“When you’re dealing with someone you’ve put on a pedestal since the age of 8, someone who can pick up the phone and ring the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader or Police Commissioner on a whim, someone that an entire company relies on for a significant part of its profit – well you tend to just do what they say.”
Bowen, who left 2GB in 2017, went on to say that he was subject to “out of control sheer rage… directed at me at least weekly.”
He also reveals he complained to the station as far back as 2008 but “complaining was about as effective as setting yourself on fire.”
Mark Kennedy, a 2GB staffer form 2006 to 2009 who SMH reports made a complaint against Hadley in 2007 (which was ignored by management), shared Bowen’s status.
“I, too, was bullied by Ray Hadley… and 2GB did nothing,” he wrote on Facebook.
“I think we could be witnessing the beginning of the bullying equivalent of #MeToo for former (and current) 2GB employees”.
A spokesperson for Macquarie Media told gave the following statement in response to Bowen’s accusations; “All staff at Macquarie Media are required to adhere to a workplace behaviour policy which includes a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment and report any matters of concern.
“Any matters reported are investigated on a confidential basis and the outcomes are discussed directly with the people involved. We are not aware of any complaints related to this matter and would once again invite those to be raised directly with the station.”
kiss and make up boys, life is too short.
it’s not that easy or straight forward Bill…
A tough industry and only the strong survive.I feel sympathy for poor Rays wife.Imagine how she coped each night when the Man came home.Anyway it is just a job that requires an enormous ego and a moto mouth.
Far too many “precious” young people around now that can’t take any criticism. I can’t understand that if it were that bad why did he stay for 17 years. Always 2 sides to every story and we’ve only heard “The Bowen’s” side.
It is so interesting to me to see people dismiss these complaints and tell people to get over it. I worked at the station some years ago, and let me tell you, the bullying I witnessed was extreme and there was zero recourse for staff. Those who mentioned to senior staff that they wanted to lodge a formal complaint (after being the victims of sustained behaviour that is so outrageous that it beggars belief) were warned not to (we had no HR department) as he is vindictive and would find a way to ruin their lives and careers, even if it was years down the track. We’d all seen him do it to others too – heard his vendettas against people on air. Heard the petty reasons behind them from 3 decades ago. You have no idea what you are talking about. It was a toxic workplace and he is an awful human being who subjected many staff to continuous and hardcore bullying.
@Barb I recall from when I worked there that Bowen was quite popular with listeners. He and Hadley would trade jokes on air and he was funny and quick. Then he became too popular. People started ringing up and saying he should have his own show. So Hadley made Bowen’s life miserable and work life untenable. To the point that Bowen quit. At this point people were ringing in and asking where Bowen had gone and saying that they missed him. So Hadley gave him a seemingly heartfelt apology and asked him to come back (to save face). Bowen fell for it. Hadley was his mentor. He can be kind and charming and even fun when he switches it on. Working with him could be a pathway to a great career in your chosen profession. Why did Bowen stay so long? For the same reason abused wives stay. It wasn’t always bad. Sometimes it was great. And he was manipulated and gradually made to feel he was worthless without Hadley. Hadley can also be very vindictive if he feels slighted. There could be fear of what would happen once he walked away. It’s an abusive relationship like many others. Psychology is an interesting thing. I was only there for one year. I cannot imagine what it would be like to work with the man closely for 16 years… I imagine a lot of therapy will be required.