Ray Hadley hints at own retirement as Alan Jones departs 2GB

Touted as Alan Jones’ heir, Ray Hadley says Ben Fordham is now the right person to replace the ‘Bradman of broadcasting’, setting out his own retirement timeline.

2GB radio host Ray Hadley says he’s likely to retire at the end of this current contract. Picture: AAP

Broadcaster Ray Hadley, who was widely expected to take over Alan Jones’ popular 2GB radio breakfast show following his retirement, says he supports Nine Entertainment's decision to promote his colleague Ben Fordham to the top slot.

Hadley, who has worked at 2GB for more than 18 years, told his radio listeners on Tuesday morning that he was "supportive of management's decision to give Ben the job".

"I note that there have been online reports this morning that I'm unhappy. Let me assure you at this particular stage of my life - I'm 65 - I don't think it would have been the correct decision for management to give a 65 year old a breakfast shift. I just don't think it would have been right.

"My career will finish, probably at the end of my current contract, in about five years time," Hadley said.

Nine’s surprise decision to give Fordham the top radio gig comes as Hadley, who is the morning host on 2GB in Sydney and 4BC in Brisbane, faces a high-profile bullying and harassment court case in Sydney.

It was alleged in the NSW District Court last month that Hadley bullied his former panel operator Chris Bowen daily for more than 20 years, with the case listed for a directions hearing on June 12.

Jones, who has had health problems for several years, told his listeners on Tuesday morning that he would step down at the end of the month following doctors orders after 35 years in broadcasting. The 79 year-old said he will wrap up on May 29.

Hadley said Fordham, who hosts the afternoon show on 2GB and 4BC, is a "much younger man and obviously can deal with the very early mornings", and will have his "full support".

"I've spoken to Ben about the challenges he faces, and he's under no illusions, he's padding up to replace Bradman, the Bradman of broadcasting."

Fordham is 43 years-old and also hosts Nine’s reality television show Ninja Warrior.

"I'm very comfortable with the decision made by Tom Malone and his management team at Nine Radio, and I'm very comfortable to keep doing what I've done since I came here in 2001, that's the morning show and that's where I sit,” Hadley said.

"I have a large band of loyal listeners in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra, and also across regional New South Wales and Queensland.

“I'll look forward to continuing to serve them, I'll support Ben for them to the best of my ability, and hopefully we can continue to have success on the network.

"Ben carries a great weight of responsibility with that success of course because breakfast lays the platform for the rest of the day. And I'm sure he'll give his best shot and we wish him the very best of luck, because it's a big, big job."

Hadley said Jones had "set records that will never be broken in Australian radio", and wished him well in the future.

"I've acknowledged on many occasions, I'll acknowledge again this morning my success has been on the back of his success," said Hadley, noting he joined 2GB in December 2001 with Jones joining four months later.

"I was convinced by Alan and John Singleton to take on the morning program as well as call the football and I've done that ever since. And, as I say, Alan brought a huge chunk of audience from 2UE to 2GB, I've benefited from that and our success has continued.

"He goes with my best wishes."