Michael Smith to host 2GB’s Sydney Live over summer
Former 2UE talkback host Michael Smith will fill in for 2GB’s Ben Fordham on the Sydney radio station’s drive show over the summer.
Smith has had a regular spot discussing news and issues of the day on Fordham’s show on the talkback station since July.
As Fordham made the announcement on the Drive show yesterday afternoon, Smith said: “I could not hope for anything better than the chance to get back doing the job that I love.”
Smith left 2UE after management declined to broadcast his interview with Victorian Australian Workers Union boss Bob Kernohan in 2011. The interview allegedly linked former Prime Minister Julia Gillard with union fraud 16 years before.
Fordham used the opportunity to launch an attack on the decision at rival talkback station 2UE to remove Jason Morrison from the Drive show at the end of the year. “I don’t know what is going on in the heads of people at 2UE to think that they would sideline someone with the talent of Jason Morrison has. He might be my competitor in a professional sense, but someone has got rocks in their heads to take Jason Morrison off the air,” he said.
Fairfax confirmed this week Morrison’s contract would not be renewed amongst a raft of changes in the network including the departure of 2UE mornings host Paul Murray which has not been officially announced by the station although Sky News has said Murray will be joining “full time” next year. At Brisbane station 4BC presenters Gary Hardgrave and Greg Carey have also confirmed their departures.
Update: Mumbrella readers curious about the large number of comments on this item may be interested to note that the following message was posted on michaelsmithnews.com:
“The marketing website Mumbrella forms a view about the marketability of people who do radio shows based on the number of comments it gets on its stories. You can convince Mumbrella that it’s right to hold that view by clicking here and commenting on their excellent story about Ben Fordham’s show on 2GB.”
Well said Fordham. 2UE plot and direction lost.
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This is wonderful news for Michael who thoroughly deserves the gig. You can’t keep a good man down
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This guy Michael Smith’s forensic journalism capabilities are unlike anything I’ve seen in Australian media. This household reads Michael Smith News to get the important stuff that msm doesn’t report. I would never have known about the AWU-WRA fraud if it were not for Mr Smith. The extensive and eye-popping documentation published by him re Julia Gillard and her former boyfriend’s matters now under police investigation exemplify his investigative talents. Well done Ben Fordham for helping Smith get back on the radio scene.
Julia Gillard probably wouldn’t approve of his return to radio, but then she did ask, “Who is Michael Smith” and fortunately he will soon be back to fully inform her.
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Fairfax, are on the path to oblivion. Losing talent like Michael Smith is 2GB’s gain.
Not that I don’t like Ben Fordham’s show, but I’m looking forward to hearing Michael Smith on the air again!
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It takes a very brave (and secure) man to allow such a competent broadcaster to fill his shift while he takes a “well-earned break.” Doubly so when the replacement has so much passion and so much to prove to his detractors (and former employer).
Well done Ben, and best of luck Michael! You’ll be great.
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This is fantastic news. Michael Smith is always very interesting and will be a great addition to 2GB over Summer.
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I’ve now deleted 2UE from the saved channels on my car radio. First the gutless treatment of Smith, then Morrison. Great news Smith got the 2GB gig, talented man. Matter of fact I’ve given up on the SMH too. If I need a dose of left wing brown-nosing I can get it without ads on ABC radio or television. There’s a good reason Fairfax shares are worth less than the cost of the SMH. There just aren’t enough socialists in our society to support the business.
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Yeah!! I must find out about the apps available for mobile phones so I can listen in to 2GB all the time, instead of huddling over the laptop.(I am from Victoria and we don’t have anything worth listening to here
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Shame for 2UE, used to be a good listen on the way to work and home, but now its just ads, ads and more ads occasionally interupted by Mrs Browns cat death notices.
Their constant bleeting that certain people won’t front up for interview because their afraid………hardly. It becasue they know on the ratings that no one is listening any more.
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I have followed Michael Smith since he was on radio 4BC Brisbane to 2UE Sydney. I have followed Michael Smith News from the beginning. Michael Smith has courageously and doggedly pursued the truth against strong opposition from the highest officers in the land and the mSM. I am delighted 2GB has engaged his services and will continue to listen and read news from MSN. Thank you 2GB.
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Looking forward to listening to Michael Smith. He is the embodiment of duty and service to this nation.
As an aside: It dismays me that it takes so much time and effort to deliver well deserved consequences to someone as ignorant, baleful and destructive as Gillard. Why did the Labor Party promote her to anywhere near the top? FMD.
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Ben Fordham sticking up for a competitor. Does 2ue know what an audio test pattern sounds like.
Now Michael Smith comes off the bench, to give Ben a Christmas holiday.
Michael, please bring Stu, Shaz, all of them on board..
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Whoever drafted the recent 2UE listener feedback survey has no clue about the AM radio audience. They should go back to the ABC/SBS/Public Service/Lesbian Puppetry collective from whence they came.
It was a big mistake to bury Michael Smith’s interview of Bob Kernohan on the AWU/Gillard scandal. Their next act of genius after dumping another good broadcaster – Jason Morrison – would surely be drafting champagne socialists Mike Carlton and Peter Fitzsimons, and adding Palm Beach millionaire Soviet Bob Ellis to the mix.
Oh that’s right, they are positioning 2UE as “ABC Radio with ads”! Hilarity ensues.
They should shut up shop and save Fairfax shareholders more misery. Then Gina can buy the stock at 2c and throw away the key. How will Fairfax “journos” afford their Nick Cave CDs then? Can’t anyone think of the children???
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Fairfax and 2UE another example of how to build a successful small business empire—start with a really great large one. MPS and JM—2UE’s loss will be 2GB’s gain.
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Well done 2GB with the appointment of Michael Smith. Smith’s a great fit for Fordham’s afternoon show with its content and the listeners it attracts. No one will be disappointed. Can’t wait to be well informed over the Christmas break.
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It will be a pleasure to listen to you Michael. You stuck to your guns and now you are back – better armed and equipped!
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Been following Smithy since he was at 4bc. I have not listened since.
Love Ben’s show however can not wait to hear Smithy on the radio again.
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I first heard Smithy on 4BC and then followed him to 2UE until the twits stuck the knife in when they started running scared and now…eeeeehaaaaaaaaaa!!! The man has been given Ben Fordhams timeslot for the Christmas break. Can not wait. I bet that there are some knees knocking and bilious stomachs happening around the place. Well done Smithy and well done 2GB.
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What a great outcome. A continuous search for the truth on 2GB with Michael Smith filling in for Ben Fordham the good guys can sleep easy and the bad guys will be wide awake looking for the next inconvenient truth exposing them for what hey are.
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Ben Fordham must feel very secure in his job to consider letting Michael Smith take over while he’s away. Congratulations to Michael Smith and also to 2GB and their listeners. Win win all round I’d say
Perhaps more people will be better educated on the AWU/Gillard scandal as it progresses through the courts in December!
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“Who is Michael Smith ” thanks to you Julia a whole lot of Australians now know of a man of great integrity & pride for what is right & what is wrong. 2ue’s loss is Australia’s & 2gbs gain. Keep a eye on those court dates thanks to this man.
Cheers
Scotty
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Gees will Michael air any interview his former employer didn’t have the gumption to ?!
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looking forward to welcoming back Michael smith.well done 2gb
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Ben Fordham is no idiot.
A wise old mentor once told me that if I employed idiots I would would end up the chief idiot.
His point was that if you are confident in your own ability you should always employ someone who had the capabilities to do the job as well as, if not better than what you could do it because in the end they make you look good.
The same principle applies in this situation. Why would a confident performer replace himself with someone who is of lesser quality and by doing so lose a percentage of his audience. It just makes his job tougher to regain his audience.
Ben Fordham is a smart young man.
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I have also followed Michael Smith since he was on 4BC& 2UE. I have been an avid fan of Michael Smith News from the first day, and have followed every comment on radio, TV & blogs ever since.
If you are out and about and can not get him on radio, try Tunein Radio app on your iPhone you can listen to him anywhere in Australia or go to http://www.2bg.com.au and click on listen live.
Ben Fordham you are a legend for giving Smithy a go.
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Seriously jealous of Sydneys talk radio line up. Melbourne is miles behind with lightweights such as Neil Mitchell
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Good upon Michael & 2GB & Ben, excellent.
Fairfax is still self destructing…….
little value left now-
More power to u all.
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Smithy’s the best. High integrity, interesting stories and thorough investigtaions into them. His blog is my favourite read.
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Compliments with regards to the Ben Fordham / Michael Smith / Jason Morrison story.
Also would just like to say that Michael Smith epitomises what I look for in a radio host / journalist / fair dinkum Aussie.
He has strong values, commitment, honour and integrity and I know he’ll do a great job covering for Fordham.
Here’s hoping it also get’s him another gig in radio as he has a lot to offer us other fair dinkum Aussies.
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Michael Smith is a journalist who gives people the facts, he might have an opinion but he supports it with well documented evidence from primary sources. A man with intestinal fortitude.
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It was stunning that 2UE chased away a person whose excellent journalistic skills broke the story of 2011 & 2012. He will thrive on air on 2GB.
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Great move – I’ll be listening
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Michael Smith is a very good journalist, an excellent researcher and most importantly, he is a man of integrity.
You deserve this chance , Mr Smith . Luck for you is also luck for us, your followers!
Eduardo
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Christmas came early this year for Michael Smith, his family and all of us who love to listen to him. No bulltish ever from him!!! 2 GB made a great move and a massive Thank You to Ben Fordham. We are proud of you all!!
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Good move 2GB – Michael Smith is a dogged investigator and a fine newsman.
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Great news that Mike Smith will be back on radio, I am sure he will do a terrific job and hopefully 2GB will find him a permanent role
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Good on you Smithy, hope the gig lasts a lot longer.
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The last six years have shown how desperately Australia needs people of the calibre of Michael Smith to have the proper platform to expose the culture of corruption, that due to an increasingly apathetic and ideologically blind public, has sadly become an accepted part of Union, political, legal and journalistic culture.
Michael Smith News is unique in Australia and maybe the world, both for the investigative genius of Michael and the extraordinarily talented followers he has attracted from all professions and other walks of life.
It has been a joy to and a privilege to be part of the civilised, analytical discussion and debate on many subjects, and I thank Michael for making it possible and Ben Fordham and 2UE for getting Michael back on air, even if only temporarily, to do what he loves and does best..
It has been a travesty of justice to see the publicly funded nonentities on the ABC
spouting their biased nonsense, while a man who gave up his job on a matter of principle to pursue the truth, has had to struggle financially in setting up his own platform.and giving so many decent people a voice and a chance to help restore some integrity and honesty in Australia .
Very best wishes for continuing success for 2UE, Ben and Michael.
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I’m not suprised 2UE are losing Jason Morrison. Fairfax seem hell bent on expunging all their talant and their ratings confirm my opinion. Having Michael onboard with 2GB merely cements the station as the hub of accurate no bull reporting and information. Congratulations to 2GB for their wise decision on bringing Michael Smith in from the cold.
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OOOPS. Sorry. Showing my age. I meant thanks to 2GB of course!!
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Ben Fordham is a superior broadcaster and a generous man. His radio program is excellent. Michael Smith is a talented investigative journalist. Individually they are fantastic. Combined, they are a highly competent team.
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What a combination. Michael Smith, Ben Fordham, 2GB and Michael Smith News. Can’t wait to have Smithy back on air again.
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Drove michael Smith out. Now Morrison gone, Murray, and sponsors rumoured not far behind…
2ue has lost the plot.
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Ben & Michael are two of the best. Superb planning! Looking forward to Michael getting a show of his own.
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Prediction: 2UE management not long for this world.
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Congratulations to Michael and Many Thanks to Benny and 2GB….we all know Michael will do a fantastic job on 2GB over the summer break. He’ll certainly have a full audience with MSNews fans also tuning in. This is a great opportunity for Michael and we all just love him to bits. Go Michael….Enjoy It All !!
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Well done all at 2GB. What a great addition to your team Michael Smith will be. Gathering a group of dedicated, honest, decent people shows this management has the listeners at heart and mind.
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Well done all, Michael is the perfect fit to fill in for Ben..im also jealous we don’t get it here. The art of being a relevant radio presenter has all but died, apart from Ben and Michael does not dodge the real issues…more likely to get right into them as his blog does re AWU and many other well backed up, documented articles…yay..show abc and the rest what its like to be real to us and for us.
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A true professional and a engaging personality.
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Congratulations to 2GB in appointing Michael Smith to take over Ben’s summer radio session. Now 2GB needs to find a permanent spot for Michael and also for Jason Morrison – both men are highly respected in the community. Perhaps it is time for Gina to buy Fairfax and try to restore some honour, truth and respect in order to hang on to its few readers and listeners.
Michael Smith News is probably the best example in all of Australia of fine investigative journalism – I urge all to read his brilliant articles that shows his first class investigative journalism and also the contributors to his blog are another wonderful read – they have given us so much insight into the dealings and corruption of various people and organisations.
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loved Michael Smith when he was on Brisbane radio, love his web site and his investigative style. Great to have you back on air Michael, go get them .
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Far and away the best blog in Oz. Translates it to radio too.
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Judging by the dumb questions which the alleged ‘journalists’ have been asking at scott morrison and tony abbotts pressers, its pretty clear that journalism skills are at an all time low in this country. Thats why its refreshing to see someone of smith’s skill and intellect back on the radio. He is one of the few with a right to call himself a journalist/reporter of news, as opposed to the mediocre majority who are nothing more than press release readers or agitators with an ideological bee in their bonnet.
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Absolutely well deserved. Michael is an extroadinary journalist that deserves so much better than so far he has known. As a Victorian I hope I can receive 2GB radio Love his work. Would not miss your blog I log in every day. Good luck
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A Win Win. Well done to Ben and Michael
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Decent chap is Smith. Should be more like him on the air.
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Wonderful news. We would love to see Michael have a permanent spot doing what he loves best. Good on Ben
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Fantastic, wish we got 2GB in Brissie
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Maybe cause 2UE is owned by Fairfax. Similar result SMH and 2UE
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Enjoy Ben’s show and very excited to have Michael Smith back on the radio!
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I’m looking forward to hearing Michael Smith on radio again. Yes he is one of the best forensic reporters in Australia today and someone that shonky operators and dishonest public officials have to fear. But he is also a VERY funny guy with a witty delivery. It’s too bad all this serious stuff has risen to singular importance in regards to Michael. I hope the tribulations he’s gone through since the 2ue sacking hasn’t hardened him to the point where he has lost that fun he imparted so wonderfully on his show. Good luck Mike
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I wonder if he’ll get more listeners that ABC’s 702
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Well done 2GB! I hope to hear much more of Michael Smith on the airwaves!
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I am bit slow with technology, but due to the changes at 4BC I have purchased a tablet so I can listen to 2GB. Thank-you to the staff at 2GB who gave me a little guidance with this. I couldn’t be happier.
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Having already wished Michael every success on 2GB over the summer break, I would just like to remind everyone…
*** Michael Smith resigned from 2UE. He was not sacked. ***
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More fool him Law ‘n Order. If he hadn’t quit he’d still be on air on 2UE and actually pulling in some ratings, unlike Jason Morrison. And we’d have had the pleasure of listening to him for the last couple of years.
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DOES WARREN MOORE STILL DO RADIO TALK BACK AT RADIO 2GB.
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and I think the first thing he needs to do is air that interview with Victorian Australian Workers Union boss Bob Kernohan that he was prevented from doing at 2UE
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Lucky sydneyites being able to tune in to Michael listened all the time when he was on 4bc they too have lost the plot
Is it possible to pick up 2gb on any stations north of the border love to know
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I wish Jason Morrison was somewhere on radio.
Very happy to switch 2UE off for good.
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