Jason Morrison (radio broadcaster)
Jason Morrison | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1971 Hornsby, Sydney, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Conservative commentator, talk radio host, newspaper columnist |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | Talk radio hosting, newspaper columns, news director roles at Seven News Sydney and Network Ten |
| Notable work | Columnist for Sydney Daily Telegraph; contributor on Sunrise and Paul Murray Live |
Jason Morrison is an Australian conservative commentator known for his work as a talk radio host and newspaper columnist.
History
Born in 1971 and brought up in Hornsby, located in Sydney's northern suburbs, Morrison attended St. Leo's College in Wahroonga and identifies as Catholic.
His entry into the media industry began with a journalism cadetship at 2GB in 1990, followed by formal training at the Australian Film Television and Radio School. During this time, he supplemented his earnings by working as a sales representative for Dick Smith Electronics. Morrison also pursued studies in Electrical Engineering and Law at university but did not complete either degree.
2GB
At the age of 17, Morrison commenced his career at 2GB in 1989 as a newsroom cadet, reporting on both domestic and international news stories. By 1998, he had become the youngest individual ever appointed as Director of News at the station.
Between 2008 and 2010, he hosted the Drivetime afternoon program, where he consistently held second place in audience ratings without overtaking the leader. He frequently served as a substitute for Alan Jones and notably surpassed Jones’ ratings during an extended tenure on the breakfast show. Morrison attributed this achievement to chance, while Jones acknowledged Morrison’s skills and potential as a successor.
In December 2010, Morrison departed from 2GB to join rival broadcaster 2UE. Rumours of a falling out with presenter Ray Hadley were denied by Morrison, who described their relationship as competitive yet cordial.
2UE
After three years at 2UE, Morrison’s contract concluded in late 2013 amid reports that his conservative stance conflicted with the Fairfax Media-owned station’s evolving editorial direction. The termination surprised many observers and prompted public discussion, including criticism from competitor Ben Fordham, who labeled it a loss for 2UE and immediately invited Morrison to contribute to his program—a proposal Morrison accepted.
It was reported that Morrison faced disciplinary action after criticizing Fairfax’s refusal to grant Gina Rinehart, the company’s largest shareholder, a seat on its board. This controversy led to legal proceedings against him that were eventually withdrawn. Furthermore, Morrison reportedly experienced tensions with 2UE management after expressing support for presenter Michael Smith, who exited the station following restrictions on discussing allegations concerning Julia Gillard’s connections to the Australian Workers Union.
Television
Morrison held the position of chief of staff at Network Ten’s Sydney newsroom for five years starting in 2000 and was later promoted to Editor before returning to radio after one year.
He regularly contributes to opinion segments on national morning programs such as Sunrise and is a frequent panel member on Paul Murray Live broadcast on Sky News Live.
In October 2015, Morrison was appointed news director of Seven News Sydney, succeeding Chris Willis. He remained in this role until June 2023 when Neil Warren took over.
Other
In 2014, Morrison began providing advisory services to Australia's wealthiest individual, Gina Rinehart. He also attempted to secure Liberal Party pre-selection for the safe seat of Ku-ring-gai ahead of the 2015 New South Wales state election but was unsuccessful.
Victory in protracted defamation litigation
In 2005, during his tenure at 2GB, Morrison described Sydney Islamic advocate Keysar Trad as a "gutless and disgraceful individual who incited racism and violence." Trad initiated a defamation lawsuit in response, yet Morrison and 2GB maintained their position regarding the comments. Morrison further condemned Trad's decision to sue following the criticism. This legal battle, noted as Australia's lengthiest defamation case, advanced through the NSW Supreme Court, the NSW Court of Appeal, and ultimately the High Court of Australia. In the end, Morrison and 2GB prevailed, with Trad being ordered to cover costs exceeding $500,000.
Appearance on Al Jazeera
Morrison attracted global attention in 2015 during a televised debate on Al Jazeera concerning press freedom after the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack. He labeled a prominent British Islamic scholar as "unfit for civilised society" and dismissed any justification for the attack, asserting that those who defend killing over cartoons are siding with terrorists.
Awards
Morrison earned the Brian White Memorial award for continuous journalistic excellence twice, in 2007 and again in 2009, making him the sole recipient to have received it on two occasions.
Personal life
Residing in Beecroft, New South Wales, Morrison is married and has three children. Since December 2013, he has contributed as a columnist for the Sydney Daily Telegraph. His work has also featured on New Zealand's Radio Live, along with appearances on television-radio programs such as Paul Henry and The AM Show.
He is among the founding directors of the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation, a medical charity. Additionally, Morrison holds an amateur radio licence and has personally constructed studios for two community radio stations as a hobby.