Jim Ball (radio personality)
Jim Ball | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Radio personality, political candidate |
| Years active | 1999–2011 (radio) |
| Known for | Hosting shows on Sydney's 2GB and 2UE radio stations; conservative viewpoints on Australian politics and society |
Jim Ball is a well-known Australian radio personality who previously hosted shows on Sydney’s 2GB and 2UE radio stations.
Biography
Ball's broadcasts focus on topics such as current events, politics, and history, frequently tackling subjects considered politically sensitive. He is recognized for his conservative viewpoint, emphasizing the preservation of traditional Australian ideals. Ball perceives challenges to these ideals in what he describes as Australians' and the media's overly simplistic perception of Islam, widespread indifference, and the influence of political correctness. He expresses criticism towards multiculturalism and promotes the expectation that immigrants should assimilate by embracing fundamental Australian principles.
Beginning his tenure at 2GB in 1999, Ball consistently achieved strong ratings during the overnight time slot. On 7 March 2008, he departed from 2GB, with David Oldfield succeeding him. Shortly after, on 17 March, Ball took over 2UE's midnight to dawn show "New Day Australia," replacing Clive Robertson. Unexpectedly, on 12 March 2010, Ball resigned from 2UE and returned to 2GB a month later on 12 April, once again taking over Oldfield's position.
In 2004, Ball undertook a trek along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. The following year, he appeared on ABC TV's Media Watch due to remarks he made concerning a non-existent school.
By January 2011, Ball had stepped down from both 2GB and MTR 1377.
Political career
In April 2016, Ball declared his intention to contest the Division of Mackellar seat in the 2016 Australian federal election, entering as a conservative independent candidate. This decision came after the Liberal Party of Australia selected Jason Falinski, a former republican activist and critic of the Howard administration’s asylum seeker policies, as their candidate. Falinski had defeated incumbent Bronwyn Bishop in the Liberal preselection battle.