Jim Wilson to replace Ben Fordham on 2GB Sydney Drive

Staff Writer

Nine Radio has named journalist and broadcaster Jim Wilson the host of 2GB Drive.

Wilson, 52, has appeared across Nine’s various radio stations for over two decades and will replace Ben Fordham in the competitive Drive slot.

He is currently a mainstay of news and sports broadcasts at the Seven Network, where he has been a sports presenter and sports editor. He joined Seven in 1992 from Channel Nine.

“Jim’s rich and varied career and the tapestry of his life make him the perfect choice to take over the 2GB Drive slot,” said Tom Malone, Nine’s managing director – radio.

“He is already well known to our audience in Sydney and is a talented broadcaster.”

Mark Levy, who has been hosting since Fordham moved into Breakfast, will continue to host 4BC Drive until a permanent and local presenter for Brisbane is signed.

Wilson said he could not be more excited to be taking on the mantle of 2GB Drive.

“Radio is a medium I love, and I’m thrilled to get the mic full time on Sydney’s number one station, 2GB.

“It’s a terrific stable and I’m ready for the next exciting chapter in my work life after more than 30 years in the industry.

“To everyone at Seven, a huge thank you for your support and kind messages.

“I’ve been lucky to work alongside some of the best in our business. But this was an opportunity I simply couldn’t say no to.

“I love live broadcasting and telling people’s stories. Drive is fast and furious, breaking news, and it’s fluid. I will be firm, fair and listen to all sides – and we will have a laugh.”

Wilson is married to journalist and newsreader Chris Bath and has two teenage sons.

“I want to thank Mark for filling in on 2GB and continuing to do so on 4BC,” said Malone.

He’s a very good broadcaster and a very important part of our team, and as he’s made clear, his passion is with Wide World of Sports and The Continuous Call Team.

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Recent comments (18)
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Jayme Doran
14 Jun 2020 - 11:07 am

Drive on 4BC will become a local program like Neil Breen is in Breakfast.

As for Jim Wilson, Good luck to him, He appeared as a regular on 3AW Drive back when Derryn Hinch was hosting it.

JASON ANDREW TOPPIN
14 Jun 2020 - 11:18 am

WELCOME TO 2GB DRIVE JIM WILSON

Ben
14 Jun 2020 - 11:21 am

The TV boys are just hiring other TV people, will end in tears

Katrina Brit
14 Jun 2020 - 11:39 am

What is going on, why happened to Micheal McLaren thought he would have been the best choice, guess they are going to waste this intelligent man in the wee hours he deserves a bigger audience, hope he leaves and gets a good day job he can’t like Jim Ball be stuck in that time slot for years what a waste, they are just hiring journalists for TV a bad move and 2gb is becoming soft and to much life style shoved in the programs, and you don’t know what these new jocks stand for, I want my 2gb back.

chris
14 Jun 2020 - 12:58 pm

It’s only a matter of time till 9 wrecks 2gb.

Katrina Edwards
14 Jun 2020 - 1:33 pm

They don’t listen to the people polls done weeks ago wanted Micheal McLaren, intelligent educated well presented what a waste of talent, hope he leaves and finds work with a bigger audience he certainly deserves better. They are employing TV journalists, 2gb has changed to soft approach with childish questions like what peanut butter do you prefer and all this silly stuff, hope another talk back conservative station starts the best can leave and create real competition.

Glen
14 Jun 2020 - 1:45 pm

Who is this guy??? Like does anyone know???

Don is Good
14 Jun 2020 - 3:36 pm

A great move for 2GB. Jim is a talented broadcaster and journalist. And while I have no issue with Nine Radio using Nine TV talent (Deborah Knight is awesome) its fantastic that they’ve poached a Seven personality. Well done all round.

Glen
15 Jun 2020 - 8:48 am

That’s outrageous!

Christian
15 Jun 2020 - 3:07 pm

Jim Wilson…. Really
Now is the perfect time for a station like 2sm to poach Mark Levy, Michael McClaren and Luke Grant who would all wipe the floor with 2gb.
Nine has ruined a once great station…… you have lost me as a listener

Judy K
15 Jun 2020 - 6:50 pm

I am so disappointed Michael McLaren didn’t get the job. I don’t even know who this new guy is. Michael McLaren is now the only one worth listening to on 2GB.
I wish Sky News would snap him up, he deserves better.

Janice
15 Jun 2020 - 10:13 pm

I feel that 2GB is being deliberately weakened since Ch.9 people took over. The level of expertise across all news and politics is being diluted unless you want sport commentator voices across the shows welcoming, mates, and bros and buddies. It was hard to accept Alan Jones leaving but understandable. Ben Fordham is managing but still has to give away pillows. I think he will improve though and we still listen to the rest of the shows. When the drive show needed a host I assumed it would be Michael McLaren… seriously who else?? Jim Wilson is a good sports journalist but not at all right for ‘Drive’…. we were very lucky to get Chris Smith on weekends. I keep trying to find another station to stay tuned to ….sigh.. I think I have to find one now!

Rob
27 Jun 2020 - 7:17 pm

Why in hell are to replacing Ben,as 2GG continue to go rollercoster as now we have Jim Wilson ,I thinks its outrageous that they continue to do this.

Sandy Sugars
27 Jun 2020 - 7:52 pm

I love Jim Wilson and was in tears tonight when I heard he was leaving 7.
Will still get to hear him as will get him through 2CC here in Canberra. Pity 7 lost Chris Bath too.
Wishing Jim the best.Sandy

Ian Wilson
1 Jul 2020 - 7:11 pm

Someone said ‘I want my 2GB back’.

Me too. Or at least I did.

Now I realise it ‘aint gonna happen and as a result I’ve listened to about 20 minutes of 2GB in the last month.

In a strange way, it’s freedom; there’s a whole world out there that I’ve tuned into.

If it catches on, advertisers won’t be happy.

Kathleen Carey
2 Jul 2020 - 4:16 pm

Michael McLaren is a huge talent, highly intelligent, knowledgeable and articulate. I thought he should have been given the Alan Jones gig, would have been fabulous. Seeing as he did not land that gig for whatever reason, then Drive should have been his. Watch out Nine, stop playing at cronyism, it is becoming too obvious or some other smart radio station will pick him up. He would be perfect for the early morning on 2SM.
To see the likes of Steve Price and Chris Smith lose out was poor decision making. Come to think of it, very poor decision making all round since Nine got their fingers in the radio pie. 2GB aint what it use to be that’s for sure

Glen
7 Jul 2020 - 7:34 am

Jim Wilson is flat as a tack! Very sterile!

lev eastmqn
17 Mar 2022 - 4:19 pm

there surely must be preferable skilled conservative available ! ! !

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