Ben Fordham steps into Alan Jones’ 2GB shoes without a signed contract

Ben Fordham wants to be the voice of Sydneysiders after taking on Australia’s toughest radio gig, but is yet to sign his new contract.

Ben Fordham during his first program on air after taking over from Alan Jones on Sydney’s 2GB. Picture: AAP

Ben Fordham is looking to be the voice of Sydneysiders after taking over from Alan Jones on 2GB breakfast radio, but is yet to sign his new contract.

The 43 year-old, who was 2GB's afternoon host before getting the top job on Australian radio last month, says there would be similarities and differences to Jones' popular program, adding that all he can do is "bring my own flavour of breakfast to the radio".

"My main focus is going to be what's on the mind of people as they wake up in Sydney, and that needs to really drive my agenda every day. While there are people that listen to it around Australia and around the world, it is a Sydney breakfast show and I need to treat it that way," Fordham told The Australian on Monday.

"I've been working in Sydney for the last 20-plus years, building a lot of contacts in police and politics and community life and charities and everything else I'm associated with, so hopefully I've got a pretty good grasp on what's going on."

Fordham, who kicked-off his first day on breakfast radio with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, said he would cover any issue important to listeners, adding that he had introduced "an open door policy with the show".

"If it's interesting to someone waking up in Sydney, I want to cover it regardless of whether it's in their own backyard, their own suburb or whether it's in the bush or whether it's you know a protest outside the White House," he said.

2GB's owner Nine Entertainment has split Jones' radio job in two, with Fordham taking over in Sydney and television and newspaper journalist Neil Breen on 4BC in Brisbane.

Jones’ departure from radio after 35 years is expected to lead to a drop in advertising revenue for Nine, although ad bosses anticipate that Fordham will attract new brands and younger listeners.

Breen,who was a sports reporter for Nine’s commercial TV network before returning to his home town, told listeners that he was “very, very proud” to be hosting 4BC’s new breakfast show, which will focus on local issues.

“Success for me is if the 4BC breakfast show becomes a natural home for everyone from power brokers and politicians, to truck drivers or mum and dads who want to talk about the issues that affect all of us in Brisbane,” Breen said.

On his first day in the hot seat, Breen quizzed Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on her controversial decision to keep the state’s borders closed.

Ready for action

Despite taking on Australian radio’s toughest and most lucrative job, Fordham still hasn't got around to signing a new contract.

"I haven't signed it yet, I haven't even seen a contract. It's going to be five years, we shook hands on five years but I haven't ever looked at a piece of paper," Fordham said.

"I just said let's get into it just start doing it, we'll work that out later."

Fordham also hasn't had a chance to set any ratings or advertiser targets, noting that his bosses wanted to make more money.

"I just believe in setting your direction, and your agenda and working your arse off to try and make it happen," he said.

"I'm pretty sure as a business we want to make more money, and that won't come as any surprise to anyone."

Fordham shrugged off criticism that he's too relaxed and nice to host the breakfast show, especially compared to Jones' straight shooting and often controversial style.

"Never read the comments," he said, adding that he was taught that in 2007 by Lachlan Harris, then senior press secretary to Kevin Rudd.

Fordham said Jones sent him a "very thoughtful and encouraging message" on Sunday night, adding that the veteran broadcaster was "very supportive and incredibly encouraging."

"I think he knows as well that I don't underestimate for one moment the size of this challenge. Not for one bit, he knows that and I've been honest with him about that. I've confided in him that I've felt at times, rather dark in his giant shadow."