A radio segment where 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham revealed he started Uber driving is under investigation by ACMA

The regulator is probing whether Ben Fordham should have disclosed that he was in a paid partnership with Uber when he revealed he had signed up as a driver.

Ben Fordham driving an Uber, with Kate Ritchie looking through the car window. Photo: Supplied

Sydney 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham is under investigation by the media regulator over a segment on his top-rating program where he revealed he had started working as an Uber driver.

Fordham, who has a commercial partnership with Uber, revealed in a three-minute on-air segment with business commentator Peter Switzer on August 3 that he had signed up to become an Uber driver to earn extra money.

Nine Radio, led by managing director Tom Malone, owns 2GB which is Sydney’s top-rating radio station and Fordham is one of the company’s highest paid stars.

The regulator is investigating whether the 2GB host should have disclosed in the segment that he was in a paid partnership with Uber in the segment.

An Australian Communications and Media Authority spokesman confirmed to The Australian that the matter is under investigation.

“The ACMA is investigating whether a business report broadcast on Ben Fordham Live on 2GB on 3 August 2023 complied with the Disclosure Standard,” he said.

“The ACMA will not be making further comment until the investigation is finalised and published.”

In the report Fordham opens by telling listeners, “A record number of people are taking a second job to get by.

“New data reveals nearly 1 million Aussies worked more than two jobs in March.”

Fordham then explained to Mr Switzer that he had started a job Uber driving.

“I told you during the pandemic that I was going to get a side hustle because everyone else got a side hustle and I said I was going to become an Uber driver,” he said.

“Guess what I’ve done this week?”

Mr Switzer replied, “You’re kidding me.”

Fordham revealed: “I’ve taken my first passenger in an Uber.”

“Wen was her name, lovely lady.

“I picked her up not far from 2GB and dropped her to work and she gave me five stars and, Switz, she gave me a $3 tip.”

On 2GB’s website it discloses that Ben Fordham is in a partnership with Uber which includes to “feature in, and assist in preparation of, video, radio and print advertisements for Uber Australia. To appear at and host events.”

Fordham’s show is the top-rating breakfast program in Sydney and latest results from ratings firm GfK showed he had an audience share of 14.6 per cent, ahead of KIIS1065 duo Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson with an audience share of 13.9 per cent.

This latest investigation comes amid Nine Radio remaining in turmoil amid the sponsorships saga that has unfolded after The Australian revealed newly-appointed 3AW drive host Jacqui Felgate had 12 lucrative partnerships that were not appropriately disclosed.

Her deals, which are worth a minimum of $25,000 each and include with BMW, Chemist Warehouse, Maybelline, Smile Solutions, NAB AFL Auskick, Chadstone shopping centre, Melbourne Racing Club and Villawood Property.

All broadcasters at Nine Radio’s stations including 3AW, 2GB, 4BC and 6PR have since been given instructions that their commercial partnerships must be disclosed and this resulted in 20 deals being uploaded to Nine’s radio websites last week.

ACMA confirmed many of these commercial deals are under scrutiny.

“The ACMA is seeking further information from Nine Radio about compliance with the Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2022 and the requirement to keep up-to-date disclosure registers,” a spokesman said.

A Nine Radio spokeswoman said in a statement: “Over the past week we have been reviewing and updating the registers across our stations to ensure compliance.

“We are also updating our procedures to ensure continuous compliance.”

Originally published as A radio segment where 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham revealed he started Uber driving is under investigation by ACMA