Triple M announces on-air shake-up... after Lawrence Mooney was caught breaking Covid lockdown restrictions to holiday in Byron Bay
Triple M Sydney has announced the departure of one of its morning presenters.
Southern Cross Austereo confirmed this week that morning announcer Chris 'Becko' Beckhouse is officially leaving the network, after more than two decades on the air.
'After 22 years with SCA, Chris Beckhouse has resigned from his gig of Mornings Announcer on the Triple M Network. We wish him all the best on an exciting new phase in his career,' a network spokesperson told Radio Today.
End of an era: Triple M Sydney has announced the departure of one of its morning presenters
'We will commence recruiting for a replacement for in the coming weeks, so watch this space.'
Beckhouse, who worked as an announcer and producer during his time at SCA, also shared a heartfelt goodbye via LinkedIn on Monday.
'Some news from me. Thanks so much for an amazing 11 years at Triple M Sydney, and 22 at SCA and Austereo,' he wrote.
Farewell: Southern Cross Austereo confirmed this week that morning announcer Chris 'Becko' Beckhouse (pictured) is officially leaving the network, after more than two decades on the air
Goodbye: Beckhouse wrote on LinkedIn on Monday: 'I never would have dreamed of doing a job I loved in such a great company for so long, with a team of so many talented people'
'I never would have dreamed of doing a job I loved in such a great company for so long, with a team of so many talented people. Can't wait to see what is next.'
The news comes after Triple M golden boy Lawrence Mooney was forced to apologise for flouting Sydney's lockdown rules for a holiday in Byron Bay on June 2.
Discussing his actions on air last Monday, the Moonman in the Morning host said he was taking 'full responsibility' for his actions, before criticising himself for acting like 'the rules didn't apply to him'.
Sorry: The news comes after Triple M golden boy Lawrence Mooney (pictured) was forced to apologise for flouting Sydney's strict lockdown rules for a holiday in Byron Bay on June 2
'I'd like to apologise to the Triple M family for acting like king c'**k of c**k Island,' he told his co-hosts Jess Eva and Chris Page.
Mooney, who copped a $1,000 fine for his breach, also apologised to NSW Police for 'wasting resources [by] having them rock around to my joint to hear my story and then issue a notice'.
'Today I front the Court of Can'ts in the full knowledge that I have done the wrong thing, copped my fair whack from the constabulary, to wit a $1,000 fine, and take full responsibility for my actions,' he continued.
Co-hosts: Mooney hosts Moonman in the Morning with Jess Eva (centre) and Chris Page (left)
'Moonman, you can't act like the rules don't apply to you.'
Mooney lives in the Southern Highlands and works in the Sydney CBD, so under the city's lockdown rules should have stayed home instead of travelling to Byron.
'I worked in a red zone in the Tower of Sound in World Square – that being Greater Sydney – lived in a Green Zone, the Southern Highlands, didn't self-isolate for the required 14 days before holidaying in another Green Zone, Byron Bay,' he said.
'I transgressed a public health order. Moonman, you cannot sit in judgement of others and then flagrantly flout the rules. Moonman, you can't.'
Busted: Lawrence's Byron Bay activities included a spot of horse riding, as well as a catch-up with fellow comedian Jimeoin at the Hotel Brunswick
He went on to say that he understood the severity of the situation, before pleading with others to not follow his example.
'In all seriousness, Sydney, and inevitably New South Wales, is entering a dire period of the contagion,' he said.
'My actions, were they to be repeated, could end up in extended lockdowns, illness and death. That's the height of the stakes we're talking about, and I don't shirk from the seriousness or my part as an example to others.
'I should have stayed put, but instead headed to Byron Bay to holiday when I should have stayed home.'
Explanation: Before taking responsibility for his actions on air, Lawrence had initially apologised and told The Daily Telegraph he didn't realise the Covid restrictions applied to him
