Radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands has weighed in on the departure of other radio shock jock Alan Jones, taking a swipe at Jones’ replacement, Ben Fordham.
He also aimed fire at Nine – owned of 2GB – suggesting Fordham would be a “disaster” and said it’s “what happens when a television station runs a radio network”.
Sandilands went on to call it a “huge money-saving exercise”.
Jones announced his retirement from radio this morning, citing his exit after 35 years in the business comes from doctor’s orders.
During his broadcast this morning Jones told listeners: “We are living in the world of Coronavirus. The most repeated statement we hear is ‘we must listen to the experts’.
“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’.
“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.”
It was later revealed that Ben Fordham will be his replacement, but not before Kyle and Jackie O had a chance to guess who would replace Jones.
And, it appears Sandilands is less than impressed with the new 2GB host, suggesting
Sandilands made the comments on The Kyle and Jackie O Show this morning, just as news broke.
“I think Ray Hadley would probably get moved into breakfast – whether Ray Hadley would want to do it, that’s another … some people just can’t do these early mornings, they just can’t,” said Sandilands.
Fordham’s name was then raised as a possible replacement, and Sandilands said: “No way. Ben Fordham need to cut his teeth a bit more. He’s too much of a yeller … he’s good in the afternoons. If it’s Ben Fordham, it’s a disaster. I like Ben, but nah,” he said.
Soon after, Sandilands was told Ben Fordham was indeed tapped to replace Jones.
He said: “Oh, what a disaster. That’s what happens when a television station runs a radio network – no idea, no idea. That’s a massive mistake. Good luck, Ben Fordham.
“If you want to be yelled at by someone who knows nothing, Ben Fordham’s your man. Friend of mine, but now a mortal enemy to the death. I don’t mind Ben as a person, but he’s a little bit of a phony. I’m just being honest here. Nice enough, I don’t know him well, but you can just tell this is a huge money-saving exercise over at 2GB.”
