Ben Fordham has been confirmed as Alan Jones’ replacement after the shock jock announced he will be retiring from his long-running radio show on 2GB at the end of this month.
Speaking about his new role, Ben, who started out working on the Alan Jones’ show, told Nine News that he feels both a sense of responsibility and opportunity about the move.
“Alan is the most successful broadcaster in the history of Australian radio. There will only ever be one Alan Jones,” Ben said.
“I can’t quite believe that all these years on I’m taking over the position he’s made his own.”
Taking to Twitter shortly after the official announcement, Ben also wrote: “Huge congratulations to @AlanJones on a sensational breakfast radio career.”
Father-of-three Ben, who has worked on TV shows like Ninja Warrior and Today, will reportedly be wrapping up his drivetime slot so that he can replace Alan and become the new voice of 2GB’s breakfast program.
Alan made his shock announcement on-air this morning, with the 79-year-old confirming he will wrap up broadcasting on May 29 on the advice of his doctor.
“Health wise though I am okay, but we are living in the world of coronavirus and the most repeated statement we hear is, we must listen to the experts,” Alan began.
“Well, the experts are telling me in no uncertain terms, and not for the first time I might add, ‘continuing with the present workload is seriously detrimental to your health.'”
“Alan is the most successful broadcaster in the history of Australian radio. There will only ever be one Alan Jones,” Ben said.
(Image: Channel Nine)“I have listened to the experts and I am taking this opportunity to indicate to my radio family that I will be retiring from radio at the end of this month,” he told listeners.
The news would no doubt come as quite a shock to the broadcaster’s fans, given that he re-signed a two-year contract with Macquarie Media last year.
Alan went on to describe the requirements of a breakfast radio host, before saying he made the decision to reduce his “workload” after reassessing his radio and TV commitments.
“Admittedly, I have recently taken on an extra load in television and print media – I love them all.”
“But if I’m serious about reducing the workload and listen to the experts, then I’ve decided the bulk of my workload is dominated by radio.”
Alan is stepping back from his radio show on doctor’s orders.
(Image: Getty)“I guess after 35 years of the full stop has to go in somewhere. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to share ideas to help people, even though I argue with people on behalf of someone else, these are privileges in this industry.”
After taking a moment to praise his radio family, the broadcaster concluded by saying his leaving the network won’t be the end of his career.
“I’m not going away, I’m still going on Facebook, I’ll still be on email…I’m not retiring, I’m just retiring from radio.”
He added: “For now, as always, we’ve got work to do.
Meanwhile, Ben’s friends and colleagues including The Project‘s List Wilkinson have taken to Instagram to congratulate him on his new gig, writing: “Huge congrats to my former Today Show colleague, and very good buddy @benfordham9. You’ll nail it!”
“And sorry about the pic Ben, but this will probably be the last sleep you’ll have for a very long time, so I just want you to enjoy,” Lisa joked alongside a group shot with Ben closing his eyes.
This story originally appeared on our sister site, New Idea
