2GB’s Jones free to negotiate with rival outlets as deadline passes
2GB’s top-rating breakfast host Alan Jones is free to negotiate with rival outlets after a 30-day clause giving his current employer exclusive rights lapsed. Annette Sharp has the exclusive details.
NSW
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A 30-day clause giving 2GB exclusive rights to negotiate with breakfast star Alan Jones has lapsed giving Jones the freedom to commence talks with rival media companies.
A source close to Jones confirmed 2GB management had not finalised the broadcaster’s new contract by April 10, surrendering their exclusive rights to sign the star.
Jones is seeking a new two-year contract that would see the 78-year-old through to his 80th year.
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2GB management has been dragging its feet in talks with Jones, whose present $4-million-year contract expires on June 30.
At week’s end negotiations were under way with 2GB management after the star rejected, sources say, a one-year offer to remain at the station he helped reinvent with major shareholder John Singleton in 2002.
Singleton has been unsuccessfully attempting to contact Jones to reopen talks having not spoken to the host for months.
Jones was uncontactable and 2GB CEO Adam Lang would comment on a “commercial arrangement’.
It is understood Jones has received only a verbal offer of a one-year contract on his existing pay, about $4 million a year, which holds no appeal to the 78-year old who wants to work for at least two more years.
Jones and his supporters were upset to learn earlier this year management was preparing to replace him with morning host Ray Hadley from July 1. That was until 2GB was picked up by Nine and demanded Jones be left alone — Nine having lost its nerve for breakfast shake-ups following the sacking of Today’s Karl Stefanovic.