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There’s a two word answer to that question which I’ll come to later.
Firstly, who is Alan Jones?
His background includes time as an English teacher at Brisbane Grammar and King’s College (2 exclusive private schools), a speech writer for Malcolm Fraser, he was a failed Liberal party candidate in what had been considered a safe Liberal seat. When he re contested the seat, he again lost in an even bigger majority. He was a successful Rugby Union coach, in part due to the great talent in Rugby ranks at the time. He then switched to Rugby League where he was spectacularly unsuccessful with Balmain and then South Sydney.
He has been involved with 2GB as a broadcaster since 1985, and was very successful in his early years, however since about 2001, his audience has continued to slide. He is involved with a number of charities including Youth off the Streets, the Starlight Foundation, and the Heart research institute.
It could be said that Jones has a very varied background which suggests he probably knows a little bit about everything, but is an expert on nothing. He has never been seen to be fit to hold public office, though he talks constantly about political issues. He has been repeatedly found guilty of breaching ABA guidelines, but continues to be considered an influential broadcaster (but not by everyone)
How does Jones present himself?
Alan Jones has been labelled in a number of ways. Mysogynist (he recently won an Ernie), Vilifier (recently upheld guilty charge for inciting racial hatred during the Cronulla riots), Bully (by a man Jones coached during his Rugby playing days). These assessments of Jones' character are coming from all quarters, and from people such as David Penberthy who know him well, and have known him over a long period of time.
If you have listened to Alan Jones on air - he speaks quickly (almost aggressively), he lectures his guests on what they 'should' think (if they agree he lauds them, if they disagree he berates them), he screens his callers and emails presenting those who agree with him in a positive light while talking over or cutting off those who don't. Alan Jones has an opinion that can be bought, as demonstrated by the cash for comments affair.
Alan Jones has no insight, he has nothing new to say, he pursues the same old prejudices he has against women in positions of power, and against ethnic minorities. He has pet subjects like Coal Seam Gas, and the Carbon Tax.
I can't see a single thing Jones has to offer listeners in Townsville, other than to tell them what they already know, or what they already believe. And to do so in a way that is nasty and condescending.
But still we hear Jones in Townsville... on radio station 4K1G FM.
I wonder why.
Does Townsville need to hear what Alan Jones has to say?
Two words... No Way. At least not in my opinion. The decision-makers at 4K1G FM currently think otherwise.
They would be interested to hear if Townsville listeners disagree with them. Do them a favour and
Contact the station manager at 4K1G FM and let them know your thoughts about their continued support of Alan Jones' radio program.
And... share your thoughts here as well.