Longtime radio host Alan Jones is set to hang up his microphone at the end of the month, announcing the end of his 35-year career this morning.
The announcement was made by Jones on 2GB this morning, announcing that he’ll be stepping down from the station at the end of May on the advice of doctors, with Ben Fordham set to take over the reins.
“We are living in the world of coronavirus. The most repeated statement we hear is ‘we must listen to the experts’,” he revealed to his listeners.
“Well, the experts are telling me in no uncertain terms, and not for the first time I might add, […] ‘continuing with the present workload is seriously detrimental to your health’.
“I have listened to the experts and I am taking this opportunity to indicate to my radio family that I will be retiring from radio at the end of this month.”
“I guess after 35 years the full stop has to go in somewhere,” he concluded.
Despite this announcement, Jones remains adamant that he is “not retiring” in the traditional sense, and will continue to work for both Sky News and News Corp media publications into the foreseeable future.
Jones first began his broadcasting career back in 1985 when he joined Radio 2UE as a morning host. By 1988, he had moved to the breakfast slot, with his pragmatic approach allowing him to become one of Australian radio’s most passionate and listened-to broadcasters.
Making the switch to 2GB in 2001, Jones’ presence helped them become the #1 station in the Sydney market, with Jones ultimately going on to top Australian radio’s monthly ratings a total of 226 times.
“Alan Jones has a unique place in Australian media,” noted Nine Chairman Peter Costello. “His ratings record makes him the outstanding broadcaster of his generation. His ratings record will never be matched.”
Despite his status as one of Australia’s most popular broadcasters, Jones has not avoided controversy, with his tendency to wave the flag for conservative approaches to divisive topics notably fetching him much publicity.
In 2018, Jones was publicly criticised for his usage of the phrase “n***** in the woodpile”, while 2019 saw former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull label the broadcaster an “appalling misogynist” after he claimed Prime Minister Scott Morrison should “shove a sock down [New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s] throat” in response to her views on climate change.
Although Jones apologised for his comments, he was warned he was on his last strike, with Macquarie Media Chairman Russell Tate noting that the broadcaster could be terminated if such behaviour continued.
