PM Scott Morrison leads cavalcade of well wishers praising talkback host
Talkback radio king Alan Jones’ unexpected retirement announcement on Tuesday prompted a flood of well wishes to his breakfast show from some of Australia’s most powerful people. READ THE TRIBUTES
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Talkback radio king Alan Jones’ stunning retirement announcement on Tuesday prompted a flood of tributes to his breakfast show from some of Australia’s most powerful people.
Straight after the peak 8am news bulletin the veteran 2GB breakfast show host floored listeners with his own bombshell: he is retiring because medical experts have told him “the present workload is seriously detrimental” to his health.
Bosses at Nine will continue to pay his $4 million a year contract until it expires in June next year amid speculation in Nine newspapers they are hoping his departure will bring back advertisers.
Jones insisted he was turning off the microphone because doctors had told him to “stop or drop”.
“I’ve listened to the experts and I’m taking this opportunity to indicate to my radio family that I will be retiring from radio at the end of this month, May 29,” the 79-year-old told his listeners, who represent almost 18 per cent of the Sydney breakfast radio market.
He said he was also working in television and in newspapers, where he writes a column for The Daily Telegraph.
“I’ve decided the bulk of my workload is dominated by radio. After 35 years the full stop has to go somewhere. I'm not retiring, I’m just retiring from radio,” he said.
Jones is at the top of his game, having just delivered a record 226th ratings win, and the extent of his power and influence could be measured from the surprised well wishers who called his open line.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison rang in to say: “You have always spoken your mind to everybody, including me. Over the years we have had one or two disagreements but you have always done the right thing by your country and we’re very proud of that.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian asked “is it true?” after being questioned about what she thought about his retirement during a press conference.
She told Jones this was “the first time in your life that you are listening to the experts.” She added: “Very few people get to choose their time of departure, but leaving at the top of their game consistently, not just number one but number one by a long shot is something to be very proud of, Alan.”
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.”
Federal Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said: “We have political differences but on a personal level you are someone I respect. I know a whole lot of charity work that you do that no one knows about. You don’t go out there and yell from the rafters about it, but it is something you just get on with.”
Even old long-term rival, retired radio legend John “Golden Tonsils” 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.”
And the tributes flowed through the day with former prime minister John Howard adding: “Pity help anyone who agreed to an interview with Alan without knowing his or her subject. Employing a metaphor he will appreciate, being interviewed by Alan required one to be match fit for the occasion.”
Former Business Council of Australia president Tony Shepherd, who was on the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust with Jones, said: “You could not hope for a better friend in the world than Alan Jones and you could not get a worse enemy. His philanthropy is absolutely amazing. You may not agree with his political views but you cannot doubt the quality of the man.”
Even Jones’ regular sparring partners at the ABC’s Media Watch tweeted praise: “There’s been many stoushes but Jones’ commitment to his listeners, his tireless work ethic and ratings success is to be congratulated.”
Jones said he only found out that young afternoon presenter Ben Fordham would be his replacement when someone “plonked a press release in front of me” as he announced his retirement. But he endorsed the move.
Despite his high ratings Jones lost a fortune in advertising revenue after comments about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led to an online campaign that drove away advertisers. Nine newspapers speculated the loss of advertising was $2 million more than the cost of paying out Jones’ $4 million contract.
Bosses at Macquarie Media had stalled re-signing him last year after he and the station lost a $3.75 million defamation action in 2018.
The contract was eventually signed at the intervention of Nine chairman Peter Costello who yesterday said: “His ratings record makes him the outstanding broadcaster of his generation.”
Mornings host Ray Hadley, who had been earmarked for the breakfast slot before Nine axed the old Macquarie Media management, said he was “entirely comfortable” and happy where he was.
“They are talking about a 10-year plan and I am 65 so I think this contract will see me out,” he said of his current contract that expires in 2024.
But one 2GB insider said staff had been blindsided.
“Putting Jones on the bench is like having a Ferrari in the garage and never driving it.”