Commentator Jones in final sign-off
After 35 years of dogmatic, thunderous and determined radio commentary, Alan Jones has signed off from life on the Australian airwaves on a tender note, saying he hoped his breakfast musings had provided ‘‘stepping stones’’ for listeners. Jones, 79, called time on his 2GB radio slot at 9am yesterday before playing his decades-old theme song
Gloria by late US singer Laura Branigan. Broadcasting from his Fitzroy Falls home in the NSW Southern
Highlands, Jones dedicated his final programme to his ‘‘loyal, supportive and sometimes critical’’ listeners and thanked the producers and technicians who made his show possible.
In his final remarks, the former Wallabies coach quoted US poet Robert Lee Sharpe, saying all people throughout their lives build a
‘‘stumbling block or a stepping stone’’. ‘‘Therein I think lies the challenge – do we provide for one another stumbling blocks or stepping stones? I hope that over 35 years we provided some stepping stones,’’ Jones said. ‘‘Together in spirit always, but for now, goodbye.’’ Jones this month announced he was retiring on the advice of his doctors after decades of early-morning starts to prepare for his three-hour programme. Earlier in yesterday’s show, he spoke with NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller – who thanked him for his support of officers and public safety – as well as Prime Minister Scott Morrison. ‘‘It’s an extraordinary career by any estimation and beyond that, there’s a broader contribution to public life on so many issues,’’ Morrison said.