Ben Fordham

Ben Fordham
Born	(1976-11-29) November 29, 1976 Australia
Occupation(s)	Sports journalist, radio host, television presenter
Years active	1997–present
Known for	Presenter of Ben Fordham Live on 2GB, co-host of Australian Ninja Warrior

Ben Fordham (born 29 November 1976) is a prominent Australian sports journalist and radio host. As of now, he presents the morning radio show Ben Fordham Live on Sydney's 2GB station.

Early life and education

Fordham was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was seven years old. During his studies at Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview in Sydney, he undertook a work placement at a local radio station.

Career

Fordham launched his career at Sydney's 2UE radio station, where he earned a prestigious Walkley Award for his reporting on the 1997 Thredbo landslide. In 1998, he moved into television as a reporter and presenter for Sky News Australia.

By 2008, Fordham was represented by the Fordham Company, operated by his late father John. In March 2014, he announced he would leave Today to concentrate on his radio career, although he continued to serve as a substitute presenter on both Today and Nine News.

In 2016, Fordham co-hosted the Nine Network's Australian Ninja Warrior alongside Rebecca Maddern. Two years later, in 2018, he joined the board of the Ash Williams Show podcast, playing a role in attracting media figures such as Scott Pape.

In May 2020, Fordham was named as the successor to retiring Alan Jones at 2GB. He concluded his drive-time show on 22 May and launched his breakfast program, retaining the title Ben Fordham Live, on 1 June.

Fordham stepped down as co-host of Australian Ninja Warrior in October 2021.

Political views

Fordham is often characterized as a liberal or moderate conservative with close ties to the centre-right Liberal Party.

After the Liberal-National Coalition's loss in the 2022 federal election—which resulted in Prime Minister Scott Morrison stepping down as party leader and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg losing his seat—Fordham publicly supported Senator Jane Hume for the deputy leadership of the Liberal Party. Following the leadership contest, Peter Dutton was elected leader unopposed, with Sussan Ley appointed deputy.

Prior to the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum, Fordham aligned himself with the No campaign.

In June 2025, during his breakfast show on 2GB, Fordham expressed criticism of record immigration levels and the Albanese government’s immigration and housing strategies. He remarked that while Australians generally accept immigration, concerns are mounting over the rapid pace and volume of arrivals.

Personal life

In October 2011, Fordham married Seven News presenter Jodie Speers. The couple has two children: a son born in late 2014 and a daughter born in 2016.

Legal issues

On 26 February 2009, Fordham faced charges for concealing a serious offense and violating the Listening Devices Act in connection with a May 2008 report on A Current Affair. The report implicated former Waverley mayor James Markham in ordering a deadly attack on a male escort. Despite being found guilty, both Fordham and his colleague Byrne were not convicted, as the judge described their actions as "a shocking lapse in judgment" by experienced senior journalists.

External links

• Ben Fordham (archived 2008)