A media analyst is likening shock jock Alan Jones' resolute fan base to that of US President Donald Trump's, as listeners continue to tune in despite attacks on Jacinda Ardern.
The Australian broadcaster's 2GB breakfast show maintained its lead in the latest Sydney radio ratings, despite a huge backlash over several verbal attacks he launched against Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in August.
The shock jock's unwavering support base is now being compared to the US President's - a group Hillary Clinton famously described as a "basket of deplorables" during her 2016 presidential campaign.
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Media analyst Peter Cox told The Sydney Morning Herald he believes Jones' listeners are "welded on", and said it's a similar situation with Trump and his support base.
"It's the same problem they have in America with Trump. He's not going to lose his supporters no matter what he does wrong or says wrong."
Jones, 78, labelled Ardern, 38, a "complete clown" after she was accused of calling out Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Pacific Islands Forum over Australia's climate change stance.
"Australia has to answer to the Pacific," Ardern said at the time.
Jones responded on his radio show by describing Ardern as an "absolute light-weight" and suggesting Morrison "shove a sock down her throat".
It sparked backlash with more than 80 2GB advertisers pulling out, costing the radio station about AU$1 million in lost revenue, and leading to a "full review" of the show from its owner Macquarie Media.
Despite Jones reportedly receiving death threats over his comments, Cox told The Sydney Morning Herald the backlash was just "reinforcement" for the shock jock, and that he only has to "satisfy the audience that likes him".
Ardern did not wish to comment specifically on Jones' comments at the time, saying she doesn't "have an opinion on every single person that says something about me".
Jones apologised to Ardern on-air and in a letter obtained by Newshub under the Official Information Act.
"While I may disagree with your stance on climate change, I would never wish any harm to you... Prime Minister, I would like to assure you that I did not intend to suggest any violence towards you," he wrote.
Jones then boldly requested an interview with the Prime Minister, but she had not appeared on his show.
Newshub.
