Dave Hughes has reflected on the highs and lows of a long radio career, sharing a candid perspective on success, failure and the recent downfall of some of Australian radio’s biggest stars.
The comedian and broadcaster said being axed from his radio show in 2024 changed the way he viewed public perception and career setbacks.
“Ask me whatever you want,” Hughes told Nine. “I’ve come to a point in my life where I’ve given up caring. The less you care, the happier you are.”
Hughes’ breakfast show, Hughesy, Ed & Erin, came to an abrupt end on 2DayFM after four years on air.
Looking back, he admitted he initially worried about how the decision would affect his reputation.
“I thought people would think less of me,” Hughes admitted. “Then, after about a day, I realised that no one’s thinking about me at all. It was liberating.
“I was in those rating surveys for 20, 25 years. Every six weeks you’re worried about what the number is and whether it will ruin your reputation. Then eventually, after all that time, I get sacked. It didn’t ruin my reputation.
“So I say to everyone – stop worrying. It doesn’t matter.”
The 54-year-old also appeared to reference the recent drama surrounding radio stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson, whose long-running breakfast show has been embroiled in legal disputes in recent months.
“It honestly doesn’t matter whether you’re the best or the worst, whether you get a $100 million contract and you look like you’re the bee’s knees, because five minutes later you could be gone,” he said.
“Don’t feel jealous of other people, because their time’s coming.”
Sandilands and Henderson signed a reported $200 million 10-year contract extension with KIIS FM for The Kyle and Jackie O Show, that was set to last until 2034, before their show was axed.
Hughes has had a long-running public feud with Sandilands over the years, famously describing him as a “massive d–khead” during a gag at the Logies.
However, when asked whether the pair were still enemies, Hughes reportedly laughed off the suggestion.
“Everyone laughed [at the joke], except Kyle!” he said.
He also said that he had nothing against Sandilands and Henderson ,“I know them, and they’re fine. I have no issue with them.”
“But, you know, when you promote how much money you’re making and then half the people around you have been sacked because there’s no money left, it’s clearly going to you … The company is eventually going to go, ‘Well, we can’t make money.’
Hughes then went on to share the current challenges the media industry is facing, especially radio.
“It’s a tough environment now. Media is tough. We all know that because of the change in the world and the way that advertisers are spending their money,” he said.
“I’ve seen the change, and we’ve all seen it. I go to radio stations now, and there used to be about 100 desks, and now there’s about two people. There’s no one in there. It’s a different world. That’s something in many different environments now, and it’s going to continue.”
When asked whether he would consider returning to breakfast radio if offered the role, Hughes was unconvinced.
“I don’t really need the money at the moment, to be honest, so it’s probably a no,” he said.
“But, you know, still ask me, we can talk. I want $150 million, though! How’s that going to go down in the company? You got that left after you pay the lawyers? Probably not,” he quipped.
Hughes also said he was less concerned these days about who succeeds in radio, and when asked about who he thinks will take over the industry next, he replied: “I don’t care, to be honest. The world has changed so much that I don’t think it’s as big of a deal as it used to be. Whoever goes into any job, I hope they do well.”
The comedian said his focus remained on stand-up comedy, which he described as the part of his career that brings him the most joy.
Image: Nine
