2GB’s Ben Fordham ready for ratings war: ‘I’d prefer to be at the top’

After being paused during the initial outbreak of COVID-19, the radio survey starts as stations — and one heir to a former 2GB radio king’s crown — wait to see who will claim top spot in the ratings.

• Ben Fordham: I’m asking for Trouble
• Fordham’s first 2GB breakfast show since Alan Jones retirement

This will be Ben Fordham’s ninth week at the microphone of 2GB’s breakfast program after replacing broadcasting veteran Alan Jones, but it might as well be the first. That’s because radio ratings — which were paused in April during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 — have started again.

This new survey period started on July 26 and runs until September 19, with results released on September 29. Meaning for the first two months, Fordham has been able to settle into his new job without the scrutiny that comes from the ratings results. But that’s not to say he hasn’t felt pressure.

“I feel the pressure every morning, trying to make the best three hours of radio whether it’s being measured or not,” Fordham told The Daily Telegraph.

Ben Fordham in the 2GB studio in June. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The results will be a test for Fordham and 2GB to see how many of Jones’ listeners have remained and if the former radio king’s successor has brought in new listeners.

Fordham is also fully aware that prior to retiring, Jones had recorded his highest audience share in over a year. In April Jones registered a 3.1 per cent jump to a maintain his leading share of the Sydney breakfast market of 17.9 per cent.

Alan Jones at his Southern Highlands home with Ben Fordham shortly before the broadcasting veteran’s retirement. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“Listeners have been very supportive and recognised I’ve got big shoes to fill replacing Jones. They’ve given me time to fill them. And I might never fill them. But I’m here for the long game,” he said. “My listeners are more invested in content rather than ratings. Ratings are a bigger deal to my bosses. Although of course I’d prefer to be closer to the top than the bottom.”

In FM land, KIIS due Kyle and Jackie O will be looking to record their 14th consecutive survey as the number one FM breakfast show ahead of WSFM’s Jonesy and Amanda.