Radio boss: 2GB can survive the loss of Alan Jones

Advertisers are fleeing Alan Jones’ radio show after his comment about the NZ PM. Remarks by the shock jock’s boss should make him nervous.

Macquarie Group boss Hugh Marks says 2GB radio could survive the loss of its star broadcaster Alan Jones as advertisers continue to sever ties with the station over his latest controversial remarks.

Mr Marks said 2GB would prosper regardless of whether the Sydney shock jock was on air or not, The Daily Telegraph reports.

“There’s a bunch of talented people there and, remember, Alan’s breakfast program in Sydney … would be less than 10 per cent of Macquarie Media’s (revenue), let alone the revenue position of Nine,” Mr Marks said.

“Alan’s a good broadcaster, Macquarie have made plenty of comments about their relationship­ and recent events so I won’t go into that but yes, of course, that business can survive the loss of any of its talent­.”

Jones criticised New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last Thursday after she said “Australia has to answer to the Pacific” on climate change at a forum in Tuvalu and suggested Prime Minister Scott Morrison “shove a sock down” her throat.

He later apologised for his comments but on Saturday was threatened with the sack by employer Macquarie Radio.

A number of advertisers have also abandoned his breakfast show on Sydney’s 2GB and 4BC in Brisbane.

Alan Jones on Nine News.

Jacinda Ardern has been praised for her ‘classy’ response to Jones’ comments.

Yet Ms Ardern on Tuesday remained unperturbed by Jones’ remarks, telling New Zealand breakfast program The AM Show she didn’t have a strong reaction to them and politicians were open for criticism.

“I understand he used to be closely linked to the Wallabies, so let’s just say that revenge is best served through a Bledisloe Cup,” Ms Ardern said.

“We sign up for (criticism) when we are politicians.

“I have tried very hard, specifically on this Alan Jones comment … you won’t find me having particularly reacted or responded.”

Jones is in hot water again.

Although the Wallabies last weekend lost their 17th consecutive Bledisloe Cup series to the All Blacks, Jones won the Cup once in his five attempts when he coached Australia from 1984 until 1988.

Jones has been told he will be fired if there is a repeat of the offensive comments he made about Ms Ardern.

Macquarie Media chairman Russell Tate said the comments had caused offence to many people but Jones had publicly apologised for them. The breakfast radio host recognised his comments were “careless, unnecessary and wrong” and “should have been more clearly thought out”, Mr Tate said.

“He indicated that he had apologised sincerely to Prime Minister Ardern for any offence given and had certainly not intended to suggest any harm through his comments,” the chairman said in a statement on Saturday night. “Notwithstanding his apologies, I have today discussed the matter with Alan and advised him that any recurrence of commentary of this nature will result in the termination of his contract.”

Macquarie Media recently re-signed Jones on a multimillion-dollar contract for another two years.