Alan Jones’ parting shot in final final Sky News Australia show
Alan Jones has fronted his final show on Sky News Australia after 17 months, and he had some parting words for his fans and critics.
Alan Jones fronted his final show on Sky News Australia Thursday night, and he had some parting words for his fans and critics.
The veteran broadcaster had hosted his own show The Alan Jones Program on the network for 17 months before being abruptly let go yesterday, hours before giving his final segment.
His send-off speech was fairly tame, however, Jones suggested he’d continue voicing his opinions over on social media.
“Thank you to all the Sky News people behind the scenes who have helped,” Jones said.
“Remember, you can still find me on my Facebook page. I ain’t going away. Search Alan Jones Australia.
“Good night, and good health.”
Posting to his official Facebook page on Thursday, the 80-year-old radio and TV mainstay announced that the network chose not to renew his contract, which was due to end on November 30. The decision was made that he wouldn’t see out the final weeks of his contract.
“At a meeting on Friday, October 29 I wasn’t offered another slot with Sky News, but an alternative offer was made to me to appear once a week on the news streaming service, Flash,” he said.
“I declined that offer.”
Jones spent much of the 1600-word statement detailing his ratings wins with the network, writing that his “signing at Sky News brought over a new audience to the station.”
“May I say, I have enjoyed my experience thoroughly,” Jones added in his statement.
“I have had nothing but support from people in the backroom of Sky News who rarely get a mention; and, apart from my contribution towards raising the viewer numbers, I hope I have also contributed to the morale of the organisation.”
In a statement published to Sky News Australia on Thursday morning, the network’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Whittaker said: “Regrettably Alan has decided not to accept a new role that was offered to him for next year.
“We respect his decision and know he will be missed by many. Alan has contributed greatly to Sky News Australia over the years, advocating without fear or favour on the issues important to many Australians.
“His compelling commentary and views on the national debate have seen him become one of the country’s most successful and influential broadcasters for close to four decades.
“I’d like to thank Alan for his commendable dedication and service to Sky News. We wish him well.”
Jones joined Sky News Australia in 2013 as the co-host of the discussion program Richo + Jones, moving on to host Jones & Co in 2016 before finally helming The Alan Jones Program since July last year.
Prior to that, he hosted his radio show on 2GB for two decades, before retiring in May last year.
He dominated the airwaves in the early timeslot for many years, before handing the baton over to Ben Fordham.
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