Alan Jones to host new weeknight primetime program on Sky News
Alan Jones has signed an exclusive deal with subscription TV channel Sky News to host a weeknight primetime program – Alan Jones – from Monday July 6.
Jones, who was already a host on the network, has signed an exclusive agreement with the channel following his departure from Nine Radio’s 2GB earlier this year.
Jones has signed an exclusive contract with Sky News
The program will air live at 8pm four nights a week across Sky News on Foxtel and free-to-air (FTA) channel Sky News on WIN
Jones said he was ‘privileged’ to increase his commitment to the Sky News team.
“It’s a privilege to be asked to work with such a strong and committed team. 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.”
Sky News Australia CEO Paul Whittaker said the channel was a natural place for Jones’ audience to gather.
“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.”
According to Sky News, Jones’ programming will ‘share his unique take on the events and issues facing the nation’ and Jones will ‘continue to back the battlers in the bush to ensure their voice is heard’ and ‘look at the issues mainstream media ignore’.
Jones will also continue as a columnist with Sky News parent company News Corp where he writes for The Daily Telegraph and The Australian.
Jones retired from radio in May, citing health risks and saying his doctor has told him he needs to step back from his usual commitments. Rumours flourished that he had been given his marching orders by Nine due to the high cost associated with his programming, including his fee but also his defamation payouts. His comments about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2019 saw a number of advertisers abandon 2GB, which Nine CEO Hugh Marks admitted was a tough blow for the business financially.
Jones has been with Sky News since 2013, initially as a co-anchor on Richo & Jones with Graham Richardson. He then went on to host Jones & Co, then Jones & Credlin with Peta Credlin.
Not really stepping back hey Alan? Sounds like you were certainly fired from 2GB…
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@Josh Not fired, he just felt he had to step down so he could spend more time with NewsCorp
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Alan Jones was almost certainly fired. Glad he’s gone to the obscurity of the Sky at Night nutters where he belongs. With a loud mouth like his it only be a little while before he mouthed off again.
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Doing a prime time show is certainly a healthier time slot then breakfast radio – both for Alan Jones and the audience!
As for 2GB and their onwards progression, well no doubt 2GB will be as successful, financially and socially, as all the Nine Network affiliates are.
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