Alan Jones has joined Sky News Australia to anchor a new primetime program after his exit from Nine’s 2GB.
The former radio breakfast show host signed an exclusive deal with Sky, owned by News Corp Australia, for a weeknight program called Alan Jones.
The show will premiere Monday July 6, across Sky News and Foxtel, as well as regional free-to-air news channel Sky News on WIN. Jones, who had already frequented Sky News panels throughout his radio career, said he left his 2GB gig due to doctors’ advice and will now host the Sky News show four days a week.
“It’s a privilege to be asked to work with such a strong and committed team,” Jones says.
“I am sure that through the engagement with my viewing audience, we will be able to make a difference. There are real issues facing Australians today. We will be addressing them.”
Jones had been the target of public protests throughout his career at 2GB. Protestors had urged advertisers to boycott his program for his comments they considered to be misogynistic and racists.
The latest boycott before his departure for his remarks that Prime Minister Scott Morrison should “shove a sock” down the throat of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, had worried management, with new owner Nine confirming it hit advertising revenue.
“With a connection to his audience like no other, we are delighted Alan joins Sky News Australia exclusively as anchor of new weeknight primetime program Alan Jones, the only place to watch and listen to Australia’s most successful broadcaster,” says Paul Whittaker, Sky News Australia CEO.
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