Top contenders to replace Ben Fordham on 2GB Drive
As 2GB management mulls over a crucial decision on who to replace Ben Fordham permanently on the Drive show, one of the main contenders has emphatically denied he is in the running for the job. SEE ALL THE CONTENDERS.
Confidential
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One of the most likely contenders rumoured to be in the running to replace Ben Fordham’s coveted Drive shift at 2GB has ruled himself out of the running.
Former radio host Jason Morrison, who helmed drive at the station a decade ago, has told friends, family and colleagues he is not going for the job.
“I wanted to let you know, I am NOT in the running for any job at 2GB and I am NOT going anywhere,” Morrison said in an internal email to staff at Channel 7’s Sydney news office, where he is News Director. “I love it here am very proud of what we achieve every day. It’s very flattering that some of you have been concerned. I look forward to the usual smart-arse replies to this awkward email! Sorry if you’ve blown your money at Sportsbet.”
Online betting agency Sportsbet had Morrison pegged as Fordham’s most likely replacement with $1.95 odds, ahead of the likes of Deb Knight, Chris Smith, Mark Levy, Steve Price and Karl Stefanovic.
An online poll of more than 2100 Daily Telegraph readers this week gave a snapshot of who readers would like to see replace Fordham, who is stepping in to the all-important breakfast shift after Alan Jones retirement.
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Peta Credlin, the ex Chief of Staff of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, is favourite with 29 per cent share of votes as of Friday afternoon.
With Fordham taking over from Jones from Monday, the pressure is on Nine-owned station 2GB to announce a replacement.
Confidential understands management held interviews with several contenders last week and is leaning towards an outside hire for the competitive timeslot.
Ray Hadley’s protege Mark Levy has been named as interim host and it has been widely claimed that the show is “his to lose”.
Behind Credlin on The Daily Telegraph readers poll is fellow Sky News host Paul Murray with 15 per cent of votes, Mark Levy at 12 per cent and Michael McLaren at 11 per cent.
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Making the decision will be Nine head of radio Tom Malone, himself a former radio reporter, with the assistance of head of content Greg Byrnes, who previously worked as executive producer at Sky News.
“With the drive shift officially vacant from Monday and radio ratings about to return, the clock is ticking for Nine to confirm a replacement,” industry commentator and Radio Today editor Jake Challenor said. “Other than breakfast, the drive shift sits second on the pecking order for listeners and advertisers, meaning it is not a decision Tom Malone will be making lightly.”
As 2GB mulls its options, inching closer to a decision within days, here are the top names suggested to be in the running to replace Fordham as the permanent 2GB Drive host.
JASON MORRISON
Seasoned broadcaster Jason Morrison is one of the stronger contenders for the role and would see a return to the frontline of radio after several years behind the scenes as Sydney news director at Channel 7.
Hiring Morrison, who got his start in media as a cadet at 2GB, would come as a major shot at Seven from 2GB owners, Nine, which could also be seen in his favour.
Morrison previously hosted Drive for 2GB before jumping ship to 2UE in 2010, ultimately making way for Fordham to begin his 9-year stint in the 3-6pm slot.
Despite being a strong chance, Morrison effectively ruled himself out in an email to Channel 7 staff on Thursday, saying he is “NOT going anywhere.”
PETA CREDLIN
The former Chief of Staff for Tony Abbott made the career change to media in 2016 after Abbott was removed as Prime Minister.
She currently anchors her own show on Sky and had appeared weekly in a segment with Graham Richardson on Fordham’s Drive show. She has a high profile and is well liked by executives and was tested covering some shifts over summer, although it is understood they have other things in mind for her.
One suggestion is that she will be the obvious fill in for Deb Knight on the afternoon shift.
KARL STEFANOVIC
Today host Stefanovic is understood to have been gunning for the prime radio gig, although with a new bub at home and his hands already full with TV commitments, Nine want him focused on breakfast television over radio.
Stefanovic has previously filled in for Fordham on 2GB and while undoubtedly the biggest name of all of the contenders, he is an unlikely fit at this time.
MARK LEVY
Rising through the ranks of the 2GB newsroom, where he was the lead sports reporter and editor for a number of years, Levy now anchors the Continues Call Team and was given his own show, Wide World Of Sports, earlier this year.
Levy of course has been filling in for Fordham, this week. Levy has also filled in for Ray Hadley in mornings and is well liked in the business. The question is though, is his profile big enough to fill Drive?
PAUL MURRAY
Paul Murray is no stranger to radio having spent years at former AM talk station 2UE as a news reporter and then morning presenter.
Murray now hosts a nightly Sky program but has connections with 2GB program director Greg Byrnes and is said to be a strong contender for the role.
ERIN MOLAN AND NATALIE PETERS
An outside chance, TV and radio sports presenter Molan and Sydney news director and breakfast news reader Peters are a proven success, picking up an Australian Commercial Radio Award (ACRA) in 2019. Insiders say though it may not be their time yet for such a big move.
CHRIS SMITH
Smith returned to the fold at 2GB recently, brought back into weekend mornings and is regarded as the most likely fill-in for Ben Fordham on breakfast.
Already committed to weekends, as well as Sky News, and with young kids at home, a full time radio gig is unlikely. He has however been in discussions with management about Drive.
MICHAEL MCLAREN
Young gun Michael McLaren has been on the overnight shift – midnight through to 5.30am – since 2011 so you could say he has paid his dues. Tipped for big things, he’s an obvious and popular choice if executives go for an internal move.
He has his own opinions but is considered low maintenance compared to some of the bigger egos on Australian radio.
McLaren was Alan Jones’ preferred replacement in breakfast two years ago under previous management.
LUKE GRANT
Also a seasoned broadcaster, Grant has been one of the station’s top fill-in presenters for the past decade. Outside of 2GB, Grant was a Sydney Roosters rugby league ground announcer for 14 years.
Tell us who you think should host Drive on 2GB in the comments below.