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Alan Jones

Alan Jones

Credentials

Background

Alan B. Jones is a radio personality, sometimes referred to as a “shock jock.” He is described as “Australia’s most popular talkback presenter” at 2GB Radio in Australia where he hosts the Alan Jones Breakfast Show.4Christopher Zinn. “Australian radio stars in cash-for-comment scandal,” The Guardian, November 15, 1999. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ja8u3 5“The Alan Jones Breakfast Show,” 2GB 873 AM. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/t6OMN

Jones is the “patron” of the Galileo Movement, an Australian organization, registered as a private company, dedicated to campaigning against legislation to put a price on carbon dioxide emissions. The Galileo Movement describes its “ultimate aim” as “to use pressure from voters and non-voters to persuade our politicians of all parties that restricting Australia’s production of carbon dioxide is futile, wasteful and dangerous.”6“Historical details for ABN 47 149 463 687,” Australian Government Business Register. Archived April 15, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Kfwad 7“Who We Are,” Galileo Movement. Archived April 15, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/oF2fD Jones is also a host and guest on Sky News in Australia.

Jones will often invite climate science deniers onto his radio and television shows.

In 2012, The Australian described Jones as one of the most prominent opponents of the carbon tax. He coined the term “JuLIAR” in relation to Julia Gillard, claiming that she had misled Australians about its introduction.8Tristan Edis. “Alan Jones – climate change clown,” The Australian, October 1, 2012. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0PlBW

Before starting work as a radio host for 2UE in 1985, Jones ran for the State Parliament in 1978. After failing to win, he worked as a speechwriter for John Mason, NSW Opposition leader, and was later recruited as a speechwriter for Australia’s Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. While working at 2UE, Jones and the station faced multiple charges for contempt of court. A February 2000 investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) found that Jones and radio host John Laws breached the radio code and the Broadcasting Act 95 times. Jones started airing on 2GB on March 4, 2002.9“Alan Jones Chronology,” Four Corners. Archived September 4, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Vat8D

Jones was involved in the 1999 cash for comment affair, as revealed by reporters from the public broadcaster’s Media Watch TV program. They found that 2UE talk show hosts John Laws and Jones had been paid for favorable comments for companies without disclosing the arrangement to listeners.10Christopher Zinn. “Australian radio stars in cash-for-comment scandal,” The Guardian, November 15, 1999. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ja8u3

Defamation & Contempt of Court

Jones and the radio stations he works with have repeatedly faced defamation and contempt charges due to statements Jones made on air:

September 1990

Jones was ordered to pay $55,000 in damages for the defamation of David Parker, a former councilor of the NSW Motorists’ organization. Parker claimed the defamation took place during the NRMA election campaign in October 1986. 2UE was also ordered by court to pay $80,000.11“Alan Jones Chronology,” Four Corners. Archived September 4, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Vat8D

1992

One month after Jones renewed his contract with 2UE, both Jones and 2UE were found in contempt of court after the criminal trial of former police officer John Killen was aborted following Jones’ interview with a former Drug Enforcement Squad officer.12“Alan Jones Chronology,” Four Corners. Archived September 4, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Vat8D

November 1994

Don Mackay, President of the NRMA, sued both Jones and 2UE alleging Jones had made a number of false imputations against him.13“Alan Jones Chronology,” Four Corners. Archived September 4, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Vat8D

Dr. Eric Yeung, the managing director of the Manly Pacific Hotel, also sued Jones and 2UE. Yeung claimed that a broadcast by Jones had falsely suggested the was a heroin trafficker, that he had used the hotel for such, and that he was party to a conspiracy to frame Mr Kalajzich and murder Mrs Kalajzich.14“Alan Jones Chronology,” Four Corners. Archived September 4, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Vat8D

1998

After Jones labelled him as “biased” during an interview with former NRL chief executive Neil Whittaker, rugby league referee Bill Harrigan was awarded $90,000 in damages for defamation by Jones.15“Alan Jones Chronology,” Four Corners. Archived September 4, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Vat8D

2000

Following an investigation by The Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) regarding 2UE cash for comment allegations, its report found that Jones and John Laws had breached the Broadcasting Act 95 times. ABA imposed additional conditions on 2UE’s license. During his defense to the ABA, Jones claimed that he did not realize that his contract contained provisions related to on-air conduct.16“Alan Jones Chronology,” Four Corners. Archived September 4, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Vat8D

2002

Detective Chief Inspector Deborah Wallace, a NSW police officer, sued Jones and 2UE for defamation. Jones and the radio company settled outside of court for an undisclosed amount.17Neil Mercer. “QC sends ‘Snugglepot’ Jones scurrying,” SMH.com.au, August 21, 2002. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/3wcZv

2007

The ABA found that Alan Jones had breached radio code of practice in broadcasts before the 2005 Cronulla riots. The broadcasting watchdog found that Jones’ statements made between December 5 and December 9 were “likely to encourage violence or brutality and to vilify people of Lebanese and Middle-Eastern backgrounds on the basis of ethnicity.”18Dylan Welch. “Jones rapped for pre-riot ‘scum’ remarks,” The Sydney Morning Herald, April 10, 2007. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/bYdpA

Media Watch discussed the comments, and the ABA finding. Video below:19“The inexplicable, the indefensible, Alan Jones,” YouTube video uploaded by user “Poidar” on April 18, 2007. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

2008

In a 2010 decision, the NSW Supreme Court awarded costs to Australian Olympic Committee chief John Coates who had submitted a defamation case against Alan Jones and his employer. Jones had most recently appealed the ruling in 2008. Harbour Radio (owner of 2GB) and Jones faced a combined legal bill of roughly $1.7 million, The Daily Telegraph reported.20“Alan Jones’ .7m legal bill,” The Daily Telegraph, July 23, 2010. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fqGY7

2015

Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney sued Jones over comments he had made alleging Newman had lied about expanding the Acland coal mine in southern Queensland.21Amy Remeikis. “Queensland Election 2015: Campbell Newman suing Alan Jones and 4BC,” Brisbane Times, January 23, 2015. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/WHYaY

The above are among numerous other defamation suits including Mary-Lou Buck, Lola Scott, former mayor Shaoquett Moselmane, Aboriginal leader Pat Dodson, Racing NSW’s chief steward Ray Murrihy, rugby union chief John O’Neill, former editor of Herald letters, Geraldine Walsh, QC Bob Stitt, and others.22Kate McClymont. “Humble pie? Don’t kid yourself,” The Sydney Morning Herald, June 28, 2003. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0Xy5b

Stance on Climate Change

2017

Jones has repeatedly referred to global warming as a “hoax.” For example, on Twitter:23“Fuel poverty, food prices driven up, uncompetitive industry, unaffordable bills…We’ve paid a hell of a price for this global warming hoax,” Twitter post by @AlanJones, October 11, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

July 2012

Alan Jones has referred to climate change science as “propaganda.” Speaking to a group of about 150 people outside of the Victorian Parliament, Jones declared:24Ben Cubby. “Climate change a hoax, Jones tells tax protesters,” The Sydney Morning Herald, July 2, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7fyWP

“The notion of global warming is a hoax. This is witchcraft. Commonsense will tell you it’s rubbish; 97 per cent of all carbon dioxide occurs naturally […] 3 per cent around the world is created by human beings.”

Key Quotes

July 26, 2017

In an interview with the Institute of Public Affairs’ Jennifer Marohasy, Jones declared:25“Dr Jennifer Marohasy,” 2GB radio, July 26, 2017. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog.

“The tentacles of the global warming hoax are everywhere.”

July 3, 2017

In an editorial at 2GB radio, Jones claims there was an “admission of incompetence from the man-made global warming, climate change cheer squad” regarding a global warming “pause.”26“Alan’s 7.10 editorial 3.7.17,” 2GB radio, July 3, 2017. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/DQp1l 27Mark Fischetti. “No Pause in Ocean Warming,” Scientific American, January 4, 2017.

“You’d imagine scientists finally facing this reality would reassess all their assumptions about climate change – including the assumption man-made CO2, which continues to rise, is driving global warming

“But not this mob

“No, they blame their dodgy predictions on ‘natural variability’ (things like El Ninos and La Ninas) and ‘unforeseen events’ (volcanic eruptions),” Jones wrote.

With reference to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s suggestion of a “red team-blue team” exercise on climate change, Jones concluded: “Hear, hear to that.”

June 2017

Jones has repeatedly referred to the decarbonization of the economy as a “national economic suicide note.” For example, on Twitter:28“I’ve argued many times to decarbonise the economy is to sign a national economic suicide note. Well, here we are. AJ,” Twitter post by user @AlanJones, June 21, 2017. Archived .png on file at DesMog.

2012

Speaking at a Sydney University Liberal Club function, Alan Jones began a tirade against the government, and then went on to say that then Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s father had “died […] of shame”:29“Alan Jones faces backlash over controversial comments,” ABC News, October 1, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017.

“They are indeterminate and compulsive liars. They’ll lie and lie and lie. […] Every person in the caucus of the Labor Party knows that Julia Gillard is a liar. Everybody, I’ll come to that in a moment. The old man recently died a few weeks ago of shame. To think that he had a daughter who told lies every time she stood for parliament.”30“Alan Jones faces backlash over controversial comments,” ABC News, October 1, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017.

After backlash, Jones later apologized for the statement, while dozens of advertisers pulled support from the show.31Graham Readfearn. “Climate Denialist Aussie Radio Host Must Take Fact-Checking Course, Says Authority,” DeSmog, October 19, 2012. 32“Full list of sponsors to pull ads from The Alan Jones Breakfast Show,” Crikey, October 4, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NCjnL

October 2012

Jones declared, on his show on 2GB Radio:33“Alan Jones ordered to do journalism training,” ABC News, October 22, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/uW7vO

“Remembering all this when the percentage of man-made carbon dioxide Australia produces is 1 per cent of .001 per cent of carbon dioxide in the air. Nature produces nearly all of the carbon dioxide in the air. Human beings produce 0.001 per cent of the carbon dioxide in the air and Australians produce 1 per cent of that. That’s 1 per cent of .001 is .00001 per cent of the air. 1/100000th.”

After complaints, The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that Jones breached radio codes of practice and required him, as part of measures agreed to with 2GB, to undertake training on “factual accuracy and significant viewpoints.“34“Alan Jones ordered to do journalism training,” ABC News, October 22, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/uW7vO

Key Deeds

July 26, 2017

Jones interviewed the Institute of Public Affairs’ Jennifer Marohasy, editor of “Climate Change The Facts 2017.” Jones claims that Marohasy had found, through her own “feet on the ground research” that the Bureau of Meteorology had “doctored temperatures.” With reference to the book, Jones describes them as “uncomfortable facts for advocates of the global warming hoax.”35“Dr Jennifer Marohasy,” 2GB radio, July 26, 2017. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog.

According to the Institute of Public Affairs initial media release, “Climate Change: The Facts 2017 contains 22 essays by internationally-renowned experts and commentators, including Dr Bjorn Lomborg, Dr Matt Ridley, Professor Peter Ridd, Dr Willie Soon, Dr Ian Plimer, Dr Roy Spencer, and literary giant Clive James. The volume is edited by Dr Jennifer Marohasy, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs. Fourteen of the contributors currently hold or have held positions at a university or a scientific research organisation.”36“NEW BOOK – CLIMATE CHANGE: THE FACTS 2017” (PDF), Institute of Public Affairs, July 25, 2017.

The Institute of Public Affairs is not required to disclose its funders. However, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that about a quarter of IPA’s $2 million in annual funding comes from corporations with a direct stake in the climate change debate, “not including contributions from its 1000 individual members, some of whom also have a personal interest in climate change.”37“The benefit of the doubt,” The Sydney Morning Herald, May 8, 2010. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/3YueS

Contributors to the book include:

June 19, 2017

Bjorn Lomborg was a guest on the Alan Jones show to talk about the Paris climate change agreement.38“Dr Bjorn Lomborg,” 2GB Radio, June 20, 2017. Archived December 13, 2017. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog. Archive.is UR: https://archive.is/VvMI5

October 6, 2017

Climate change denier Ian Plimer went on the Alan Jones show to discuss his new book, “Climate Change Delusion and the Great Electricity Rip-off.”39“Alan Jones Full Show: October 6th,” 2GB Radio, October 6, 2017. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NwKD5

July 17, 2017

Jones interviewed climate change denier and producer of “Climate Hustle” Marc Morano on his morning show. In the same program, Jones interviewed Greg Evans from the Minerals Council who espoused the benefits of so-called “clean coal.”40“Alan Jones Full Show: July 17th,” 2GB Radio, July 17, 2017. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0qIf3

October 2016

After flying over the Great Barrier Reef off of Cairns, Jones claimed the reef was “fine,” later declaring on his radio show that “the global warming alarmists will stop at nothing […] Green groups run a very different agenda. If they can prove there’s an armageddon on the way they’ll get money. They want to talk about climate change and shut down everything.”41Michael Slezak. “Alan Jones launches Great Barrier Reef site after criticising ‘global warming hoax’,” The Guardian, October 24, 2016. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/xpoDs

The Guardian noted that Jones launched a Great Barrier Reef conservation site despite his assertion that the reef was fine. Speaking with The Guardian Australia, the chief executive of the Climate Council suggested that the conservation group should distance themselves from Jones’ comment. “They need to immediately come out and distance themselves from those comments and make clear what their approach is to climate change and the reef and what their attitudes will be to educating people about the reef – because that’s one of their main aims.”42Michael Slezak. “Alan Jones-backed reef group must condemn climate deniers, say scientists,” The Guardian, October 26, 2016. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/32C3j

According to Jones, “Like much associated with the global warming hoax, truth was the casualty.”

“The Barrier Reef’s fine – there are any number of reputable entities who will be looking after it and making sure it continues to be fine and looked after,” he said.

Jones also spoke with the Cairns Post after his flying tour of the reef.

“There are cycles in all of this – the Reef regenerates its­elf,” he said.

“The reality is that northern section was here thousands of years ago and will be for the next thousand.

“It’s like a bushfire, it regenerates itself, it’s part of the natural way of things.”

November 29, 2015

Climate change denier Christopher Monckton was again a guest on the Alan Jones show, appearing as the Paris climate talks were underway.43“Alan Jones – Lord Christopher Monckton,” 2GB Radio, November 29, 2015. Archived December 13, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/bdAnx

Please download the file: video/mp4

“This whole decarbonization of the economy is a national suicide note,” Jones said in his introduction, adding “To anyone with half a brain, this must be unbelievable. […]”

“We’re talking about carbon dioxide. Of all the air in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide is 0.04 of a percent and human beings produce only 3% of that. That’s 3% of 0.04 of a percent. And Australia produces 1% of the 3% of the 0.04 of a percent.”44“Alan Jones – Lord Christopher Monckton,” 2GB Radio, November 29, 2015. Archived December 13, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/bdAnx

February 2013

Alan Jones interviewed Lord Christopher Monckton on his breakfast show. According to Monckton, “It would be between 36 and 48 times more expensive to spend money on carbon taxes now than to sit back, enjoy the sunshine, go surfing, and adapt in a focused way to any adverse consequences” from climate change.45Graham Readfearn. “Lord Monckton Threatens Climate Scientists, Again,” DeSmog, March 2, 2013.

2011

Jones made the claim on 2GB radio that “human beings produce 0.001 per cent of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere” and that therefore human-caused climate change was not possible. After numerous complaints, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigated whether the claims were backed up by evidence.46Tristan Edis. “Alan Jones – climate change clown,” The Australian, October 1, 2012. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0PlBW

ACMA said that the licensee of 2GB had “conceded that it was a claim researched by Mr Jones himself and they weren’t able to adduce any evidence supporting that claim.”47Tristan Edis. “Alan Jones – climate change clown,” The Australian, October 1, 2012. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0PlBW

Jones later said he had mistakenly claimed the 0.001 to be of all “carbon dioxide in the atmosphere” instead of “all gases in the atmosphere.”48Tristan Edis. “Alan Jones – climate change clown,” The Australian, October 1, 2012. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0PlBW

ACMA also said that Jones would have to undertake training on “factual accuracy and significant viewpoints” as part of measures agreed with 2GB. The original ACMA ruling said that Jones said on air:49“Alan Jones ordered to do journalism training,” ABC News, October 22, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/uW7vO

“Remembering all this when the percentage of man-made carbon dioxide Australia produces is 1 per cent of .001 per cent of carbon dioxide in the air. Nature produces nearly all of the carbon dioxide in the air. Human beings produce 0.001 per cent of the carbon dioxide in the air and Australians produce 1 per cent of that. That’s 1 per cent of .001 is .00001 per cent of the air. 1/100000th.”50“Alan Jones ordered to do journalism training,” ABC News, October 22, 2012. Archived December 13, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/uW7vO

The ACMA media release listed the following “new measures applying to programs hosted by Alan Jones”:51(Press Release). “2GB acts to fix accuracy and present significant viewpoints,” ACMA, October 18, 2012. Archived April 19, 2013. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nv0Dk

  • Pre-broadcast fact-checking by the program’s executive producer of any material provided by non-media sources or third parties which may require additional confirmation and attribution.
  • Creation and retention (for at least six weeks) of records of the verification material sourced by the executive producer for the facts contained in the editorial piece.
  • Identification by the executive producer of controversial issues of public importance that are not covered by other 2GB current affairs programs.
  • Communication of these exceptions to 2GB’s program director who will then be responsible to ensure that another current affairs program presents an alternative, significant viewpoint to that presented in the program hosted by Alan Jones so that 2GB can discharge its obligations under the Commercial Radio Codes of Practice.
  • Creation and retention of records by the program director for the above steps.52(Press Release). “2GB acts to fix accuracy and present significant viewpoints,” ACMA, October 18, 2012. Archived April 19, 2013. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nv0Dk

With “New measures applying to all news and current affairs programs”:53(Press Release). “2GB acts to fix accuracy and present significant viewpoints,” ACMA, October 18, 2012. Archived April 19, 2013. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nv0Dk

  • The program director will conduct random checks of daily broadcasts for each of the programs and will record the details of the controversial issues of public importance canvassed in the program. The program director will also record the reasonable efforts made/opportunities that have been given by the relevant programs to present significant alternative viewpoints.
  • Training will be conducted (including with Alan Jones) focusing on the ACMA’s findings concerning factual accuracy and significant viewpoints.
  • The training will be completed by the end of November 2012.54(Press Release). “2GB acts to fix accuracy and present significant viewpoints,” ACMA, October 18, 2012. Archived April 19, 2013. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nv0Dk

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An archive of recent episodes of the Alan Jones Breakfast Show is available at iTunes.

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