2GB radio host Ben Fordham says Channel 9’s leaders’ debate was a ‘shambles’

Radio host and one of Channel 9’s stable of stars Ben Fordham has launched an extraordinary attack on his network’s staging of last night’s leaders’ debate calling it a ‘shambles’.

One of Nine Network’s leading show hosts has slammed his own employer for a “messy” poor performance hosting the second leaders’ debate on television last night.

Fordham controversially criticised his own network over struggling to manage the word of wars that erupted between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor opposition leader Anthony Albanese.

The 2GB host and star talent of Nine dedicated a significant chunk of his breakfast show on Monday morning to attacking the network over their handling of the ministerial discussion.

“It wasn’t great. It was a shambles. It was messy, disjointed, awkward. All over the shop,” Fordham exclaimed.

“Channel 9 was not the winner. When the TV ratings come out, I think it will show that. I think the ratings will show that Australians would have largely turned off the contest.

“People have got better things to do then waste their Sunday night listening to two people talking over each other. It’s like watching two blokes at the pub arguing over the colour of the carpet.”

Ben Fordham slammed his own network for a shambolic leaders’ debate.

Fordham then went on to condemn the extinction of the virtual on-screen ‘worm’, which was a controversial software widget previously used to measure live audience reactions to the debate.

He then commended News Corp’s television channel Sky News, which is one of Channel 9’s major competitors, for their innovative inclusion of the ‘people’s forum’ to keep the debate exciting.

“The leaders became fearful of the worm years ago, so they stomped on it. They killed off the worm. The debates became bland,” he said.

“Sky News introduced the people’s forum where voters were given the chance to ask questions, and anything could happen.

Chris Uhlmann, Deborah Knight and David Crowe on last night’s leaders’ debate panel. Picture: Alex Ellinghausen/Getty Images

Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese spoke over Sarah Abo. Picture: Alex Ellinghausen/Getty Images

“Last night’s debate had the more traditional format with three journalists asking questions, including our own Deb Knight, and the journalists asked some good questions, but that couldn’t save the thing.

“There were strict rules in place, including a sixty second limit on answers, but the rules were quickly ignored by the leaders. They spoke over the moderator Sara Abo.”

Fordham also roasted the network for its lack of allowing an audience and being littered with rules.

“When you’ve got voters in the room, the leaders are more conscious about their behaviour. Because they know they’re being watched, (but) not last night,” he said on 2GB.

“We know from rugby league, too many rules can spoil the game. maybe, you’re better off with no rules. Just let the leaders go at each other because that’s what they were doing last night anyway.”

Fellow 2GB presenter and panellist Deborah Knight said she was glad it was all over.

“I can tell you that much. You cannot win. I’ve been attacked from the left; I’ve been attacked from the right,” she said on Monday.

‘Glad it’s over’... Deborah Knight with Chris Uhlmann and David Crowe. Picture:Alex Ellinghausen/Getty Images

“I was too hard on Albo…on ScoMo…I guess at the end of the day it means I did my job. “We weren’t sure how they were going to behave because we did a lot of rehearsals and prepping over the weekend. We were worried about whether they’d turn up and be really quiet, or aggressive or feisty.

“In the end, they didn’t hold back. they ripped in, and at times, it was too much. It was messy. I was ready to start shouting ‘order’! but we wanted them to engage… to have a debate…with passion. If they didn’t do that, we’d be criticised for being too boring. They both took last night seriously. People were watching.

“There was record engagement on 2GB. Time is running out for them to sway undecided voters. I don’t think there was a clear winner last night. It was close. Good and bad from both.

“I did my best. I did my very best. I was nervous as hell. That’s all you can do. I’ll take the criticism on board.”

Originally published as 2GB radio host Ben Fordham says Channel 9’s leaders’ debate was a ‘shambles’