Alan Jones to host new program via digital media company
Australian media figure Alan Jones has signed with newly formed Australian Digital Holdings (ADH) for his new show titled Alan Jones: Direct To The People.
Jones made the announcement today at a press conference at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel with ADH chair Maurice Newman, former chairman at the ABC, which was also streamed live on Jones’ Facebook page.
The ADH will be a digital and free platform, with Jones’ show to be streamed on Jones’ Facebook and YouTube accounts and his website.
The show itself does not have any advertisers, but Jones stated that it would be making revenue through advertisements that run through the social media platforms.
Newman called it a “pioneering initiative”.
Newman said: “The reach of [Jones’] content today on Facebook and YouTube is such that the company I chair, Australian Digital Holdings, believes this program will receive millions of viewers and readers here and overseas. Certainly, we have been encouraged by the extraordinary support that he continues to get, even though he hasn’t broadcast for some time now.”
Last month, Jones made the decision that he would not be returning to Sky News Australia next year.
When asked about the decision to leave Sky News, Jones said: “I’ve got nothing negative to say about Sky News, I enjoyed my time there. I was offered a contract and I didn’t sign it.”
In response to a journalist’s question about why the show is not on a more traditional form of media, Jones said: “I think in traditional media there is, I’ve got to be careful what I say here, I don’t want to offend anyone, but there is a lot of interference in what people want to write or what to say. And therefore, sometimes what comes out is not quintessentially your view. So, this is, and obviously putting all this together we’ve got the best legal minds behind the operations, so they will be consulted, but I will be saying what Alan Jones thinks and I won’t be responding to legal letters and whether I can say that, say that.”
Previous to his time at Sky News, Jones spent the bulk of his career on Radio 2UE and 2GB. He departed the now Nine-owned 2GB in May 2020.
Another journalist asked Jones about his radio time, with Jones denying that he would be returning to radio: “I’ve taken my advice from, how shall I say this, people who are not really at my generation. In my opinion, no disrespect here, it’s a rather old-fashioned media and we’re looking here at reach. That’s the key. And the reach that you see on Facebook is far in excess of anything available to traditional media. So, how do you then capitalise on that reach? But more importantly, forget about me, how do you service that reach?”
Jones is the inaugural broadcaster at ADH, with Newman stating an intention for more broadcasters to join the media company.
The premiere of Jones’ new show is set for next week Monday 13 December.
I wish you well in your new endeavour Alan. I have listened to you since your 2UE days followed you where ever you went so am looking forward to your new gig. I hope you kill it. I’m sick of all the experts and criticism, radio is boring now and so are a lot of so called Current Affairs programs. So once again good luck.
Kindest regards,
Carole Ripolles
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No Mac, completely the opposite. Jones, Credlin, Kenny, Dean, Bolt et al can do nothing else other than cheer on their side ferociously, and stick the boot into any idea coming on the other side. There is no room for ideas, intellect, compromise, standards or ethics. Good luck to him, though its just another podcast it seems.
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Digital broadcasting and social media is the future and Jones seems to be off and running into another success story in his destiny. Remember his radio rating have always been the highest for any Australian broadcaster and there is no reason he should not continue to raise the flag. Unfortunately, we seem to have shift toward “The Great Reset” in media circles and for some reason that word “Woke” seems to get in the way of “Free Speech”.
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I wonder how long Facebook will take to muzzle him.
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Thank God for Alan Jones Australia needs more people like Alan Jones.
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Digital broadcasting and social media is the future and Jones seems to be off and running into another success story in his destiny. Remember his radio rating have always been the highest for any Australian broadcaster and there is no reason he should not continue to raise the flag. Unfortunately, we seem to have shift toward “The Great Reset” in media circles and for some reason that word “Woke” seems to get in the way of “Free Speech”.
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Great to have you back Alan and lets see freedom of speech ignited with your new show cheers Erko
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Why is it then impossible to find a link to the show if he is trying to promote it?
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Alan is not to everyone’s taste and like the rest of humankind is imperfect. As a political commentator though he comes close to that rare standard. Along with Peta Credlin and Chris Kenny, despite his age he is one of the very best.
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It’s one thing for advertisers to be on his TV or radio show – if he says something untoward they can dissociate themselves, saying its part of a run of station campaign. But to specifically advertise on his own online show – which, is presumably how it’ll be funded – will be too much of a liability for any advertiser. Can’t see it making any money, even if Facebook don’t pull the plug.
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🤣 Credlin 😂 Kenny 🤣
Hilarious…
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So glad really enjoyed your advice on things of importance God bless you
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Imagine putting a show on YouTube and Facebook in 2021 and calling it a “pioneering initiative”
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It is no surprise that Alan has gone to work for Maurice Newman whose chairmanship of the ABC was linked to controversy. They are ideological bedfellows whose viewers, in my opinion, do not accord with Australia’s silent majority. It should be noted that AJ was a constant winner of the Sydney radio ratings; but in national terms the numbers were relatively small. The Sky After Dark numbers were also very small and, as such, may have resulted in Foxtel majority owner News Corp becoming concerned about legal exposure for little benefit. That said Alan has every right to spruik his views wherever he can find an outlet.
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A little over 12 hours since he went live, and the first stream managed 74,000 views via Facebook & 6,200 views via YouTube.
https://www.facebook.com/alanjonesaustralia/videos/3111611839096035
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZVkkn_skmg
Looks like there’s a ways to go until Alan reaches “millions of viewers and readers here and overseas.”
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