In a very special getting together in Sydney, Australia's gambling king, and up and coming media tycoon, James Packer, has paid tribute to Australian radio broadcasting legend Alan Jones, in a powerful and emotional speech. Media Man and Gambling911 cross now to the action...
Australian media and gambling business champion, James Packer, gave a powerful, emotional and heartfelt address overnight in tribute to talkback radio king and racing identity Alan Jones.
For the uninitiated, Jones is every part the living legend of media, racing and people power circles. Jones and the guest were celebrating his 25 years as a broadcaster in a glitz event at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Media Man favorite gambling tycoon, Packer headlined the impressive event.
Let's go through some of the highlights...
Packer's voice got croaky after describing how Jones had assisted thousands of people, many totally anonymously, showing just how giving of heart and spirit the great man was.
"Alan, no one will ever take your place. You are without peer my friend," Packer said, looking to get touch teary eyed.
Earlier in the evening he told the story of how his late father, Kerry Packer, has encouraged and then persuaded Jones to give up politics for life as a media commentator on Network Nine and then onto Radio 2UE, and before then representing competitor 2GB Radio.
"What do you want to be son...the Prime Minister or a millionaire," KP (Kerry Packer) said to Jones.
"Alan took the money, not the box."
The magical night, which was hosted by advertising and media legend John Singleton and attended by the whose who of politics, media, and arts, also featured tributes from people as diverse as Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger and pop icons Human Nature.
Jones's long-time colleague at 2UE and a veteran of more than 6 decades in radio, John Brennan said Jones was the best broadcaster he had ever heard because of his ability to connect with listeners and his efficiency of description.
"I think that Alan Jones is the Roger Federer of radio," he wasn't afraid to share with the audience.
Even former Aussie prime minister John Howard touched on a remark from Packer that Jones would "pick and stick" by his mates and friends, describing the legend as "an Australian who never let his cobbers down".
He said Jones, more than anyone else, understood the power of talkback radio to influence politics.
"Alan has understood the temperament and the nature of the Australian people They don't like being told by self-appointed cultural dietitians that we should be ashamed of our past - Alan understood that", Howard shared.
He said he had appreciated Jones's support while in office and paid tribute to the broadcaster's record of winning a massive 155 radio ratings surveys.
Jones, who went on to speak last, said Howard was in his mind "the best prime minister Australia has had".
He thanked the people who attended - friends, family and other guests, including some of his listeners, as well as generously paying tribute to his support team at Radio 2GB.
Jones advised his main campaign would be against opencut mining which he thinks turns too much rich pastoral land into wastelands for profit. He elaborated and said he was hopeful he would be able to continue to make people feel better as a result of his work, both broadcasting, community and more.
"The aim of power in this world is to lift people, not crush them," he shared.
Jones has also greatly contributed to the Australia gaming and horse racing industry, with speaking on what's best for Australian racing being one of his passions. It was Jones who basically told Australian racing to lift its game or see more competition knocking on the door of Australia. Jones and his team are aware of the PartyGaming - PMU deal inked earlier this year, and Jones has also offered commentary in the past on Packer's Betfair and the like. Jones is understood to be a supported of regulated gaming and racing, and a believer in responsible gaming, as is Gambling911 and Media Man.
Well done to everyone involved, and Alan, thank you for assisting some of my mates over the years also, which in turn assisted me, and James, thank you also for the opportunity to offer commentary on you, your company, initiatives like GenerationOne, and to offer some b2b to some of your companies showcase events like Crown Casino Aussie Millions Poker Championship. It is truly appreciated and never taken for granted. Long live the Jones, Packer and 'Singo' (Singleton) legends. All Aussie champions of business, community and people power.
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Wrap Up...
It was wonderful to hear about the good deeds of media tycoons wasn't it We salute both Packer, Jones, and the good folks who helped put together such a fantastic happening. It was also a nice change to read about big time Australian media players without all the agro and such. Stay tuned for more of the best on gambling, media, entertainment and sports right here at Gambling911.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. Media Man also publish Media Man News http://www.mediamannews.com
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