‘Nothing short of a wild ride’: Dave Matthews departs Hot 91.1

Former Publisher

Dave Matthews, co-host of the Dave, Sam & Ash Breakfast show on Hot 91.1, has left the Sunshine Coast radio station where he has worked for over four years. His last show was on Friday.

Radio Today understands the change was due to cost-cutting measures by Grant Broadcasters.

In an emotional segment uploaded to the station’s social media channels, Matthews announced his departure two weeks ago which left all three hosts in tears.

Matthews, Sam Coward and Ash Gierke have been on air together as a trio since 2017.

“Earlier this week the three of us were told that one of us had to go by the end of the week,” he said, saying the decision on who was to leave was left to the three hosts by station management.

Matthews jived that Sam was too old to find a new job, and that Ash had only just given birth. So he was, therefore, best placed to look for a new job.

“So it only made sense that I should be the one to head off into the sunset with some incredible memories and friends behind me,” he said.

“We’ve been together as a trio for almost five years now, and it’s been nothing short of a wild ride. Like a real family, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve yelled at each other… like really loudly.

“And just when you think it could all be over, we’ve taken a step back and realised that what we have on air is something really special. The chemistry here on air cannot be faked. We are a tightknit team off the air and that has translated on the air as well.”

Matthews, who appeared on the Rising Stars season of Craig Bruce’s popular Game Changers: Radio podcast, finished the segment by thanking stations staff and listeners.

The former B105 Brisbane presenter told Radio Today he plans to focus on podcasting.

“Well, my plans are from Monday, that I start full time on my podcast business. I’ve been working on it as a side hustle for a while & it’s been growing great guns,” he said.

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Eric
29 Mar 2021 - 1:17 pm

What a loss to radio. Grants could afford him surely, station wont sound any good without him. Hard to fathom how axing a top talent could save much money, arent they making enough already. Good luck dave, hope you get a role soon.

Dave Fan
29 Mar 2021 - 3:27 pm

Someone will snap him up. He’s too good.

Jack
29 Mar 2021 - 7:48 pm

Surely management did not have THEM decide who doesn’t have a job.

Brad
29 Mar 2021 - 8:51 pm

Dave is an exceptionally hard working anchor and presenter and a huge loss to Grant. His contribution to SCA, FRB and the Sunshine Coast media has been second to none and something he should be very proud of. I’d put money on that his phone has been ringing today and will be heading down the Bruce again soon. *cough* ARN *cough*

maurice
31 Mar 2021 - 4:45 pm

They should’ve kept him and put him on the afternoon shift. Would be a lot funnier and they would’ve saved 2 wages.

Craigo
14 Apr 2021 - 1:50 pm

I cant believe management didn’t have the guts to make this kind of decision themselves. To make a staff member fall on ‘their own sword’ is disgusting.

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