‘No way he knows who Alan Jones is!’ Fans are left baffled after Roger Federer sends a congratulatory message to the radio king on his retirement – as shock jock starts his swansong show
- Alan Jones, 79, has begun his final show on Sydney radio after 35 years on the air
Legendary radio host Alan Jones has begun his final breakfast program ahead of his retirement from the airwaves after 35 years.
Jones, 79, will call time on his 2GB radio slot at noon on Friday.
The top rating host announced earlier this month that he was retiring after decades of pre-dawn starts, upon the advice of his doctors.
In his years on radio, Jones became the self-appointed and sometimes outrageously dogmatic voice of the battler, feared and courted by politicians.
But Jones’ final show has already been bathed in controversy, after a congratulatory video message from tennis champion Roger Federer was criticised by sports fans.
Legendary radio host Alan Jones has begun his final breakfast program ahead of his retirement from the airwaves after 35 years
‘Hi Alan, it’s Roger here. I wanted to wish you all the very best for what’s to come and many congratulations on an amazing 35-year career in the media business, take care and all the best. Bye,’ Federer said.
Federer was one of just dozens of well wishers to leave glowing tributes for Jones in the weeks leading up to his departure from the airwaves.
Close political friends including former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Nationals leader in NSW John Barilaro and Sky News commentator Peta Credlin were among those to call in.
Sporting greats including jockeys Hugh Bowman and Darren Beadman, and former rugby union .
‘Thank you Alan, enjoy the rest of the morning and enjoy a bit of time off too. I’m glad you are taking the doctors advice,’ Jones said.
‘You’ve been one of those who are championing the current cause of getting the economy back up and running.’
Jones’ radio career began at 2UE in 1985 and moved to 2GB in 2001, where he delivered a record 226 wins in rating surveys.
His presence at 2GB was pivotal in driving the station to No.1 in the Sydney market.
The former Wallabies coach is expected to continue his roles as a columnist for News Corp Australia’s newspapers and on an evening TV show on Sky News.
His breakfast show replacement, Ben Fordham, is due to take over from Monday.