TV star and sports broadcaster Jim Wilson will replace Ben Fordham as the new 2GB Drive radio host
- Veteran sports broadcaster Jim Wilson to take coveted 2GB Drive show role
- He replaces Ben Fordham who succeeded broadcast stalwart Alan Jones
- Wilson said radio was a medium he ‘loved’ and he was ‘thrilled’ to get the mic
Sports broadcaster Jim Wilson has emerged as the new host of Sydney radio station 2GB’s important drive-time spot.
He’ll replace Ben Fordham who succeeded broadcast king Alan Jones in the breakfast slot earlier in June.
‘Jim’s rich and varied career and the tapestry of his life make him the perfect choice to take over the 2GB Drive slot,’ Tom Malone, Nine’s Managing Director – Radio, said in a statement.
Sports broadcaster Jim Wilson (pictured with wife Chris Bath) is the new host of 2GB radio’s important drive-time spot
Wilson, who has been sports editor and leading presenter on the Seven television network, said he couldn’t say no to the offer.
‘Radio is a medium I love, and I’m thrilled to get the mic full time on Sydney’s number one station, 2GB,’ he said.
‘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.’
Fordham’s role opened up after he was chosen to replace longtime host Alan Jones who had announced his retirement on the advice of doctors.
‘All I can do is do my thing and try and bring my own colour to it. I’m learning along the way from the master,’ Fordham told Jones on his radio show.
Meanwhile, Russel Howcroft will join Ross Stevenson on Melbourne’s number one breakfast program, taking over from John Burns who retires next month.
Howcroft, best known for his role as a panellist on the long-running ABC series Gruen, will team up with Ross Stevenson on Melbourne’s number one radio show from August 3.
‘To be asked to join the king of radio, Ross Stevenson, each morning as one half of AW’s award-winning Breakfast team is an honour and a delight,’ Howcroft said in a statement.
‘I can’t wait to jump in the chair, get the first cup of coffee into me and join in the daily chat that gets Melbourne talking and laughing.’
The move to 3AW means Howcroft has resigned from his current position as Chief Creative Officer with PwC, a role he has held for the past three years.
Prior to that, Howcroft was executive general manager of Network Ten from 2013 to 2017.
Mark Levy will continue to host 4BC Drive while a search is finalised for a permanent host in Brisbane, Malone said.
The position opened up after previous host Ben Fordham (pictured) was chosen to succeed longtime radio host Alan Jones after he announced his retirement in early June