There’s a moment, when you take on Godzilla, you fear you’ll be crushed underfoot. That was me, in 2012, when a bunch of us – wrangled by Sally McManus, now ACTU secretary – took on Alan Jones and his then-radio station 2GB. It wasn’t just that Jones was the most powerful man in Australian media.
It was how he wielded that power. Everything Donald Trump told Bob Woodward in 2018 was exactly how it was with Jones. Alan Jones at 2GB in 2007.
Credit: Bryan O’Brien “Real power is, I don’t even want to use the word ...
‘fear’,” Trump said. Yes. Exactly how it was with Jones.
On Monday, Jones was charged with 26 offences against nine alleged victims spanning two decades. He was arrested at his luxury Circular Quay apartment over allegations he indecently assaulted, groped or inappropriately touched multiple young men. He was granted bail.
Police say they expect more complainants to come forward. He denies the allegations. I was so familiar with the location of that apartment.
In 2012, Jones was at the height of his powers, winning survey after survey as the top breakfast broadcaster. He had gone to town on Julia Gillard, then prime minister. He accused her and others of destroying the joint.
A hot minute later, he was in front of a Liberal Party fundraiser, telling them Gillard’s father had died of shame. John Gillard had died just three weeks before. Loading It’s hard to believe anyone could be so cruel, but it looks to me as if Jones’ brand of arroganc.