Alan Jones will host his final Sky News Australia program tonight at 8pm.
Alan Jones joined Sky News Australia in 2013 as co-host of political discussion program Richo + Jones, alongside Graham Richardson. He then went on to anchor Jones & Co in 2016 before hosting the Alan Jones program from July 2020.
The broadcaster won a record run of radio ratings for more than three decades and switched from radio to television with a 4-night per week primetime spot on Sky News Australia last year.
Following recent discussions regarding the opportunities on offer with Sky News Australia in 2022, Alan Jones made the decision to not return to the network next year.
Paul Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer of Sky News Australia said: “Regrettably Alan has decided not to accept a new role that was offered to him for next year. We respect his decision and know he will be missed by many.
“Alan has contributed greatly to Sky News Australia over the years, advocating without fear or favour on the issues important to many Australians,” Whittaker said.
“His compelling commentary and views on the national debate have seen him become one of the country’s most successful and influential broadcasters for close to four decades.
“I’d like to thank Alan for his commendable dedication and service to Sky News. We wish him well.”
The final episode of the Alan Jones program will air on Sky News Australia tonight, Thursday 4 November, at 8pm.
Jones’ departure from Sky News Australia comes just months after The Daily Telegraph decided to stop publishing his regular columns after his Covid-19 coverage drew criticism. Jones had been vocally anti-lockdown and sceptical of the dangers of Covid-19.
Ben English, editor of The Daily Telegraph, reportedly told Jones that his column is going to be pulled because the column no longer resonates with readers.
See also: The Daily Telegraph to pull Alan Jones’ column after Covid-19 comments