The Unexpected Exit from Nova
Former Nova stars Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton have shared their experiences regarding their abrupt departure from the network and the restrictions placed on them afterward. The network announced in September that the Late Drive hosts, including Ben Harvey, Liam Stapleton, and co-host Belle Jackson, would not have their contracts renewed.
This decision came as a shock to many, especially when rival Australian Radio Network (ARN) confirmed in October that Ben and Liam would be taking over the breakfast show on KIIS FM Adelaide, formerly known as Mix 102.3, with Belle serving as producer. However, the timing of this announcement led to an unexpected outcome — Ben and Liam were removed from the air immediately, with their final Nova show airing on October 24 instead of December 12.
A Surprising Non-Compete Clause
Speaking to News Corp, the duo revealed that they were taken aback by the non-compete clause in their contract, which prevented them from broadcasting at another station for six months. This clause effectively gagged them from the airwaves, something they hadn’t anticipated.
Liam expressed his surprise, stating, “We didn’t think they would, but then they did.” Despite the initial shock, he emphasized that the situation is now behind them. “We’re here now [at KIIS 1023] and we’re ready to give it a red hot crack,” he said.
Ben added that the enforced time away from the microphone gave him a new perspective. “I think it does make you more grateful that you get to do the job that we do,” he reflected. “It’s pretty unbelievable that our job is to come in five days a week and talk to each other like that.”
A Farewell Celebration
News of the trio’s departure from Nova was first made public in October, with staff receiving an email from management announcing that the final show would serve as “a farewell celebration.” Brendan Taylor, Nova’s group programming director, wrote in the message to staff, per TV Blackbox:
“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 Journey
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. The pair returned to Adelaide in 2020 to host Nova 91.9’s breakfast show before moving to Melbourne in early 2023.
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 popular trio only learned they were losing their jobs “shortly before” Lauren and Jase posed for a “secret” photo shoot in the Nova studio.
