Senior sports journalist and TV presenter Jim Wilson has been named as the new host of 2GB’s drive program.
Wilson, 52, has appeared across Nine’s various radio stations for over two decades and will replace Ben Fordham in the drive slot. He is currently a mainstay of news and sports broadcasts at the Seven Network, where he has been a sports presenter and sports editor. He joined Seven in 1992 from Nine and he will be resigning from Seven to take on the radio role.
“Jim’s rich and varied career and the tapestry of his life make him the perfect choice to take over the 2GB drive slot,” said Tom Malone, Nine’s managing director – radio. “He is already well known to our audience in Sydney and is a talented broadcaster.”
Wilson said: “I could not be more excited to be taking on the mantle of 2GB drive. Radio is a medium I love, and I’m thrilled to get the mic full time on Sydney’s number one station, 2GB. 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.
“To everyone at Seven, a huge thank you for your support and kind messages. I’ve been lucky to work alongside some of the best in our business. But this was an opportunity I simply couldn’t say no to.
“I love live broadcasting and telling people’s stories. Drive is fast and furious, breaking news, and its fluid. I will be firm, fair and listen to all sides – and we will have a laugh.”
Jim Wilson is married to journalist and newsreader Chris Bath and has two teenage sons. Jim’s dad was Melbourne Herald and Herald Sun foreign correspondent Bruce Wilson and his sister the late Rebecca Wilson spent time in radio during her journalism career at Sydney FM station Vega and 2UE.
Mark Levy will continue to host 4BC drive while a search is finalised for a permanent host in Brisbane.
“I want to thank Mark for filling in on 2GB and continuing to do so on 4BC. He’s a very good broadcaster and a very important part of our team, and as he’s made clear, his passion is with Wide World of Sports and The Continuous Call Team,” said Malone.