Talent Watch
BY RadioToday Network November 28, 2023
Talent Watch May 12, 2020
Karl Stefanovic ‘unlikely’ to replace Ben Fordham on 2GB & 4BC drive
The radio rumour mill has Karl Stefanovic as the favourite to replace Ben Fordham on 2GB and 4BC drive, but a Nine source said “it’s unlikely” given his breakfast TV commitments.
As part of the Nine Radio shake-up, Alan Jones said he would be “retiring from radio” at the end of May on doctors’ orders, with Fordham to replace the shock jock on 2GB breakfast.
Nine also confirmed it would introduce a local breakfast show to 4BC listeners in Brisbane, saying an announcement will be “made in due course”.
The changes also mean that Nine is looking for a new drive host to replace Fordham.
Sources close to Stefanovic told Radio Today on Tuesday that plans are in place for the Today Show star to take over from Fordham when he moves into breakfast after Jones’ departure.
The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said “the deal is almost done” between Nine and the television host, who will juggle both commitments.
“Karl is moving to drive as well as TV,” said the source, “the question is, will he be networked to Melbourne and Brisbane?”
The Nine source disputed any speculation that the returning Today Show host was shortlisted, given his already busy schedule, saying his “TV commitments remain first priority” for Nine.
Talking to Radio Today on Tuesday, Nine Radio boss Tom Malone remained tight-lipped when asked if plans to install Stefanovic into the duel role were legitimate.
“This has only just happened,” said Malone. It’s really been in the last week to 10 days, so over the next couple of weeks we’ll work out who will be the best person to take on drive.”
Malone also said that conversations with Jones’ about his future with the radio network have been unfolding quickly after medical advice.
“It’s really been in the last week to 10 days,” said Malone. “Right now we’re just focussed on breakfast. It’s been important to get the succession for breakfast sorted first.”
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I think the best candidate for afternoons is Michael Mclaren he is well read has a great personality and would be perfect for the job
Regards
Drive will go to Bella Frizza
I agree Michael McLaren is the ideal choice. He knows what is going on and has a sense of humour. He excels on Sky News ‘In My View’ program when he is on wish it was every week.
I don’t have any faith in Nine. As far as I am concerned the changes they have made since taking over are not to my liking so I don’t tune in nearly as often as I used to.
Luke Grant would be the ideal replacement for Ben Fordham
2GB is dead now.
Definitely Michael McLaren suit the afternoon show on 2gb
Michael McLaren should have been given the breakfast spot. Articulate and intelligent and on top of current affairs. The most underrated presenter at2gb. Don’t understand that he was not rewarded with breakfast.
Ben Fordham will find this spot very difficult.
As for Drive, 2gb is devoid of talent. Probably the sports commentator and Continuous Call lead presenter could do the job. The ratings will go down in the elevator now that Alan Jones has retired
Yes Michael McLaren please. He would do a great job in keeping Bens listeners informed with his well read, good communications and commonsense commentary.
whats wrong with chris smith
I also believe Michael McLaren would be the best replacement for Ben Fordham. To be honest I think he should have been chosen to replace Alan Jones.
If Karl is in, then I am out! He’s a total waste of space. Slapstick humour is so 19th century, and he’s the maestro.
Nine is in the process of doing to GB what it’s already done to itself…self-destruction.
Debra Knight is a nice person, but also totally irrelevant. I understand Nine thinks it needs to entertain the old biddies during her time slot, but for those of us with a brain it’s a 3 hour wasteland.
My suggestion to others who are equally disillusioned by Nine is to do what I’ve done…get a Fetch Box and tune into CNBC for real news, interviews with world business leaders, and get real perspectives.
It’s sadly looking like I’ll be leaving GB for good after all of this is over. Ben Fordham has no hope of being remotely relevant as a replacement for the King.
Vale 2GB…the end is nigh.