Revealed: The man tipped to replace Ben Fordham on 2GB afternoon radio – and it’s NOT Karl Stefanovic
Ben Fordham is set to take over Alan Jones’ coveted role as host of 2GB’s breakfast show on June 1.
And on Friday, respected industry website Radio Today revealed the man tipped to replace Fordham on the station’s drive shift.
According to their latest reader poll, Michael McLaren, who currently hosts Overnight with Michael McLaren on 2GB, was named as the hot favourite – with 26 per cent of the votes.
According to Radio Today’s reader poll, Michael McLaren (pictured right), who currently hosts Overnight with Michael McLaren on 2GB, is the favourite to replace Ben Fordham (pictured left) on 2GB’s drive shift
In second was 2GB and 4BC Weekend presenter Chris Smith with 16 per cent of the votes, followed by the Wide World of Sports radio host Mark Levy, who had a 12 per cent share of the votes.
Other contenders in the poll were Steve Price, Peta Credlin, Seven News boss Jason Morrison and the Today show’s Karl Stefanovic, with 2 per cent of the votes.
Radio Today understands that Mark Levy will start his afternoon 2GB shift three hours earlier on May 25, until Ben’s replacement is found.
While Jones, 79, has reportedly given Fordham, 43, his blessing, he wasn’t the radio legend’s first choice to replace him.
Another contender: In second was 2GB and 4BC Weekend presenter Chris Smith (pictured) with 16 per cent, followed by the Wide World of Sports radio host Mark Levy
In 2017, Jones told Studio 10’s Angela Bishop that it was McLaren would be the perfect person to take over the role.
The interview resurfaced earlier this month after Jones officially announced his retirement and Fordham was named as his replacement.
‘There’s a young man who precedes me, midnight to dawn, very young, I think he’s absolutely outstanding,’ Jones told Studio 10 of McLaren.
Survey: Other contenders on the poll were Steve Price, Peta Credlin, Seven News boss Jason Morrison and the Today show’s Karl Stefanovic (pictured) with 2 per cent of the votes
First pick: While Jones (pictured), 79, has reportedly given Fordham, 43, his blessing, he wasn’t the radio legend’s first choice to replace him
‘I think he’s outstanding and I think he could do my program tomorrow. Management most probably don’t think that.’
Jones continued to criticise 2GB executives and said that he knew better than the network’s senior management.
‘I’m not to sure how much management in these things know about radio,’ he said.
His choice: In 2017, Jones told Studio 10’s Angela Bishop that broadcaster Michael McLaren would be the perfect person to take over his coveted role as host of 2GB’s breakfast show
‘You’ve got to be behind a microphone to know.’
Jones, who is Australia’s most influential radio broadcaster, will retire at the end of the month after 35 years dominating the airwaves.
He made the shock announcement to his 2GB listeners on May 11, telling them he had been told by doctors it was becoming detrimental to his health.
Farewell: Jones, who is Australia’s most influential radio broadcaster, will retire at the end of the month after 35 years dominating the airwaves