Alan Jones retirement: PM, Bob Katter, John Laws pay tribute to 2GB host
The tributes are rolling in for broadcaster Alan Jones after the surprise announcement of his retirement from radio with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and John Laws among those to congratulate the breakfast host.
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison led a cavalcade of tributes to broadcaster Alan Jones after the surprise announcement of his retirement on his 2GB breakfast show.
Mr Morrison was the first of a string of Australian powerbrokers to call the open line and wish the 79-year-old well on his decision to retire from radio to reduce his workload.
“You have always spoken your mind to everybody, including me,” Mr Morrison said. “Over the years we have had one or two disagreements but you have always done the right thing by your country and we are very proud of that.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott called in to say it was “a significant day” and “a big milestone” for listeners.
“In many respects you were the voice of middle Australia,” he said. “You were the person who would stand up for the battler.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian rang in to ask “is it true?” after being asked what she thought about his retirement during a press conference.
I reacted to the news of Alan Jones' retirement with fear. The man who has been our courageous leader and fought the good fight on the frontline is going.
— Hon Bob Katter MP (@RealBobKatter) May 12, 2020
My highest accolade is to hold someone as a good Australian. In Alan’s case I make an exception, he is a great Australian. pic.twitter.com/2gg3iaJE7M
She said this was “the first time in your life that you are listening to the experts.”
“Very few people get to choose their time of departure, but leaving at the top of their game consistently, not just number 1 but number one by a long shot is something to be very proud of, Alan.”
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese congratulated Jones on his 35 year career, and said despite their political differences, he had a deep respect for the 2GB host “on a personal level”.
Even his old rival and fellow 2GB host Ray Hadley praised the breakfast show veteran. “(Jones) has set records that have never been broken on Australian radio, as I have many times before I again acknowledge my success has been on the back of his success,” Hadley said.
“Alan brought a huge chunk of the audience … he goes with my best wishes, as does his replacement Ben Fordham, who has my full support.
Old “Golden Tonsils”, radio legend John Laws rang in to say “I’ve got nothing but the highest regard for you, we’ don’t agree on everything, but you’ve been fantastic.
“Good luck, I know whatever you do you’ll do with a great deal of vigour, you’ll continue to make a lot of people happy.”
And rugby great David Campese paid tribute to Jones, encouraging him to “keep on going” despite his radio retirement.
“Sad news, sad day, you’ve been fantastic to me and everyone in rugby, I just wanted to wish you all the best. I know you’re not gonna give up easy. Keep on going mate,” he said.
Today Show host Karl Stefanovic told viewers: ‘It’s a huge era, a tremendously successful broadcaster over decades. Don’t think he’s ever been beaten.
“Aside from the power and influence that came from broadcasting, he donated a tremendous amount of money personally to charity, and he has also raised a tremendous amount for charity.
“On a day when he is soon to retire we say congratulations on a career that’s seen lots of highs, some lows but mostly be remembered for big stands he’s taken to help people.”
And he quipped the former Australian rugby coach might get his old job back. “Maybe the Wallabies need him now,” he said.
Even Jones’s regular sparring partners at the ABC’s Media Watch added praise, tweeting: “There’s been many stoushes but Jones’ commitment to his listeners, his tireless work ethic and ratings success is to be congratulated.”
Nine’s CEO Hugh Marks said: “I want to acknowledge Alan for his contribution to 2GB, and prior to that 2UE, over many years. Alan has shown a dedication to his craft unlike any other and with that dedication comes excellence.
“This focus on his program’s content has given him outstanding audience loyalty demonstrated over decades. We wish him well and thank him for all he has done.”
Tom Malone, Nine’s Radio Managing Director said: “Alan is a giant of Australian radio. We look forward to celebrating his soaring achievements at the appropriate time. We wish him well and thank him for everything he has achieved.”
Bob Katter paid tribute to Alan Jones’s career in an impassioned and bizarre video, where he compares the talk back radio host to the crusaders of Europe.
“When you draw a picture of the crusaders that stood on the ramparts to protect Europe from the Vikings, and the Mongols and the Ottoman Turks, the forces of darkness - I think of Alan Jones,” Mr Katter said from his parliament office.
“Alan destroyed, in my opinion, two Prime Ministers ... [he is] much more powerful than anyone in this place, much more powerful than Prime Ministers,” he said.
“That power was used to protect farmers from coal seam gas foreign magnates, it was used to protect us and try and help during the droughts, it was used to protect the average Australians from the overwhelming powers that we have no champions to fight for us.”
Mr Katter also said he reacted to the news of Jones’ retirement with “fear.”
“My highest accolade is to hold someone as a good Australian. In Alan’s case I make an exception, he is a great Australian,” he said.