Lawrence Mooney axed by Triple M: Moonman in the Morning host exits

Triple M Sydney has parted ways with Lawrence Mooney.

Mooney, 56, hosted the Moonman in the Morning breakfast show with Jess Eva and Chris ‘Pagey’ Page since 2019.

His contract, believed to be worth $2million per year, was set to expire in 2022.

A Southern Cross Austereo spokesperson said in a terse statement on Monday: ‘SCA thanks Mooney for his contribution to the Triple M Network over the past five years.’

His exit comes two weeks after he vanished from the airwaves without explanation, and amid rumours of a ‘major’ falling out with co-host Eva.

The radio program is expected to change its name following Mooney’s departure.

It comes a week after sources told Daily Mail Australia the Sydney-based comedian was set to lose his contract at Triple M ‘imminently’.

He had apparently caused issues at the station in recent months, after clashing with several staff members including Eva.

Network executives were also said to be struggling to justify his rumoured $2million paycheck given the program’s meagre ratings.

Parting words: A Southern Cross Austereo spokesperson said in a terse statement on Monday: ‘SCA thanks Mooney for his contribution to the Triple M Network over the past five years.’ Pictured: Moonman in the Morning hosts (L-R) Jess Eva, Lawrence Mooney and Chris Page

Mooney was hired to host the show in January 2019 on a $750,000 salary, which was boosted to between $1.5million and $2million for 2020 and 2021.

Since its launch, Moonman in the Morning has struggled to contend with other FM breakfast shows, earning a 4.6 per cent market share in the latest radio survey.   

The show peaked at a 6.9 per cent market share when it debuted in 2019 after taking over The Grill Team, which ended its nine-year run with a 5.4 per cent share at the end of 2018.

Issues: Mooney had apparently caused issues at the station in recent months, after clashing with several staff members including Eva (left). Network executives were also said to be struggling to justify his rumoured $2million paycheck given the program’s meagre ratings 

Moonman in the Morning never reached the heights of its predecessor, which routinely pulled in shares over seven per cent in its heyday.  

The Grill Team was hosted by former rugby league player Matty Johns, who quit the station in November 2018 to concentrate on his television career.

In contrast, KIIS 106.5’s market leader The Kyle and Jackie O Show soared in the latest ratings with a 10.7 per cent share.

More to come. 

Since its launch in January 2019, Moonman in the Morning has struggled to contend with other FM breakfast shows, earning a 4.6 per cent market share in the latest radio survey. The show is expected to change its name following Mooney’s departure