Clinton Maynard announced as Chris O’Keefe’s replacement on Drive shift

Days out from the start of the official radio ratings year and the first big move has been announced for 2025.

Days out from the start of the official radio ratings year and the first big move has been announced for 2025.

Clinton Maynard has been promoted to the prime Drive shift following Chris O’Keefe’s departure at the end of last year.

Maynard takes on the position after spending his entire career at 2GB and 2UE.

His most recent role was hosting overnights.

Maynard joined 2GB radio host Mark Levy as the announcement was made just after 9.30am on Friday morning.

“It is a genuine privilege, it’s a privilege to talk to our listeners every day, to be in their cars, to be in their homes, to be with them when they’re going about their everyday, challenging lives, and to be able to talk about what’s matters to them, what’s on their mind, is great,” Maynard said.

Clinton Maynard has been promoted to the Drive shift.

He said it’s “a dream come true” to present the show he first worked for as a work experience kid.

“When I was 15, I walked into 2GB’s studio as a work experience kid in love with talk radio and spent a week with the Drive Show.

“To be appointed to present that same show, three decades later, is a dream come true. I can’t wait to talk about what matters to our Sydney listeners every day and have a few laughs along the way.”

Monday will mark the official start of radio in 2025 with all top presenters to return to the airwaves after the summer break.

It is the latest big announcement from 2GB following a Ray Hadley’s retirement last year and Mark Levy being appointed to mornings on 2GB.

Ray Hadley broadcast his final show last December. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Chris O'Keefe announced his departure from the Drive shift last year.

Mark Levy was announced as Ray Hadley’s replacement. Picture: Richard Dobson

Maynard is a Walkley Award finalist who takes on the role who has covered some of the biggest news events of the past few decades, including the Boxing Day Tsunami, Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Schapelle Corby’s sentencing and the Olympics.

“Clinton Maynard is a Talk Radio specialist — he has dedicated his life and career to the medium and knows how to tell a story, entertain and connect with audiences,” 2GB’s Luke Davis said.

“As we enter this new era of 2GB Drive, and a Federal Election year, there is no-one better placed to dissect the issues that matter to Sydneysiders on their drive home than Clinton Maynard. He’s ready and raring to go.”

O’Keefe meanwhile announced his departure from Drive live on air on December 13, revealing he would leave radio altogether to work in consultancy.

He is married to respected Fox Sports presenter Yvonne Sampson.

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