Obviously, the big news yesterday was Alan Jones’ decision to retire from radio. Jones cited “doctor’s orders” while most analysts cited “advertiser exodus” for his decision to hang-up the mic. Although he does intend to continue to write for News Corp’s papers plus his Sky News commitments.
That briefly left a gaping hole in 2GB’s breakfast spot. Well, until the Nine-owned network quickly announced Ben Fordham as his replacement.
And now the old Karl Stefanovic-to-radio rumours have resurfaced following Jones’ retirement.
There’s been industry gossip that the 45-year-old Stefanovic wanted to make the jump from TV to radio ever since his axing from Today back in December 2018.
Obviously those rumours were scotched when Nine management pulled Stefanovic out of the sin bin and plonked him back in the Today chair in January. It has to be said, to limited success.
But with Fordham moving to Jones’ slot, Nine now has a hole to fill in Fordham’s drive spot on 2GB and 4BC.
As well, Nine has announced that it wants Brisbane to have its very own breakfast show and not the syndication arrangement that’s in place at the moment.
Industry site Radio Today is suggesting that Stefanovic’s name is well and truly in the mix for either the drive spot or the Brissie breakfast role.
Nine sources telling Radio Today it was “unlikely” Stefanovic would be hoisted over to its radio networks given his morning show TV commitments which “remain his first priority”.
However, the infamous “unnamed industry insider” said Karl’s move to radio was an almost certainty.
“The deal is almost done,” the unnamed person revealed.
“Karl is moving to drive as well as TV,” said the source, “the question is, will he be networked to Melbourne and Brisbane?”
Nine Radio boss Tom Malone added: “This has only just happened (Jones’ exit). It’s really been in the last week to 10 days, so over the next couple of weeks we’ll work out who will be the best person to take on drive.”