Ben Fordham, born in 1976 (Age: 49 years old), is a well-known Australian journalist, TV presenter, and radio host. He is best known for hosting Ben Fordham Live on 2GB and has worked with Sky News and the Nine Network. With years of experience in media, he has won multiple awards and built a strong reputation.
In this biography, you will see how Ben Fordham became successful. You will learn about his journey in radio and television, his achievements, and his personal life. Here, I will share details about his career, family, and net worth.
Find out more with Ben Fordham’s Wiki, about his relationship, family, education, career, achievements, net worth, height, weight, facts, and more.
Ben Fordham Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Ben Fordham |
| Profession | Journalist, Sports Reporter, Radio Presenter |
| Age | 49 years old |
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1976 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Current Address | Yet to be updated |
Ben Fordham Wife, Children
Ben Fordham is married to Jodie Speers, a journalist and news presenter for Channel Seven. The couple tied the knot in October 2011. [1]
Ben and Jodie are proud parents to three children: Freddy: Born in late 2014, Freddy is the couple’s eldest child and only son. Pearl Nellie: Their first daughter, Pearl, was born on September 28, 2016, weighing 3.8 kg. [2]
Marigold Jean “Goldie” Fordham, the youngest addition to the family, Marigold, affectionately known as “Goldie,” was born on September 25, 2019.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Jodie Speers (m. October 2011) |
| Children | Freddy (born December 2014)Pearl (born 2016)Marigold Jean “Goldie” Fordham (born September 2019) |
Ben Fordham Family
Ben Fordham’s father, John Fordham, was a prominent media figure and talent manager who passed away in 2019 after battling throat cancer. His mother, Veronica Fordham, also passed away, though specific details about her are limited.
Ben has two siblings: a brother, Nick Fordham, who is the chief executive of the Fordham Company, a talent management business started by their late father, and a sister, Sarah Fordham.
| Parent’s Name | Father: John Fordham (deceased in 2019) Mother: Veronica Fordham (deceased) |
| Siblings | Brother: Nick Fordham Sister: Sarah Fordham |
Ben Fordham Education
Ben Fordham attended Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, a prestigious Catholic college in Lane Cove, Sydney. His time at the institution played a significant role in shaping his early interest in journalism and broadcasting.
While his alma mater remains Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, details about his highest qualification are yet to be updated.
| School | Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview |
| Alma Mater | Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview |
| Highest Qualification | Yet to be updated |
Ben Fordham Career
Ben Fordham’s journalism career began at Sydney’s 2UE radio station, where he quickly distinguished himself.
His exceptional coverage of the 1997 Thredbo landslide earned him a prestigious Walkley Award, underscoring his dedication and journalistic prowess. [3]
Transition to Television
In 1998, Fordham transitioned to television, joining Sky News Australia as a reporter and presenter. His talent was soon recognized by the Nine Network, leading to roles on prominent programs such as “60 Minutes,” “A Current Affair,” “Nine News,” and “Today.”
This period solidified his reputation as a versatile journalist capable of handling diverse news formats.
Return to Radio and Continued Success
Fordham returned to his radio roots in 2011, joining 2GB to host the “Sydney Live” program. His engaging style resonated with listeners, resulting in consistently high ratings.
In June 2020, following Alan Jones’s retirement, Fordham took over the coveted breakfast slot with his show “Ben Fordham Live,” further cementing his status in Australian radio. [4]
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his career, Fordham has been recognized for his excellence in broadcasting. He has received multiple Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including ‘Best Metropolitan Talk Presenter’ seven times (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020/21, and 2024) and ‘Best Current Affairs Presenter’ three times (2017, 2023, and 2024).
In October 2024, he was honored with the Individual Talent of the Year award at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards, reflecting his significant impact on the industry. [5]
Current Endeavors as of 2025
As of 2025, Ben Fordham continues to host “Ben Fordham Live” on 2GB, maintaining his influence in Australian media. His show consistently tops the ratings and is regarded as one of Sydney’s leading breakfast programs.
In January 2025, Fordham discussed challenges facing offshore wind projects, reflecting his keen engagement with current affairs. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to journalism and an ability to adapt across various media platforms.
Controversies
Ben Fordham, a prominent Australian journalist and broadcaster, has encountered several controversies throughout his career:
1. Legal Issues in 2009
In February 2009, Ben Fordham faced legal troubles when he was charged with concealing a serious crime and breaching the Listening Devices Act. The case was related to a segment aired on “A Current Affair” in May 2008, where it was alleged that former Waverley mayor James Markham ordered a fatal hit on a male escort.
Though Fordham was found guilty, he and producer Andrew Byrne avoided conviction. The judge stated that their actions showed “an appalling lack of judgment” but acknowledged that both were respected journalists.
| Year | Controversy | Details | Outcome |
| 2009 | Legal Charges | Charged with concealing a serious crime & breaching the Listening Devices Act. | Found guilty but avoided conviction. |
2. On-Air Conduct and Interview Techniques (2019)
In August 2019, Fordham was criticized for his interview with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. During the discussion about decriminalizing abortion, he asked her whether she would personally undergo the procedure.
His questioning was considered inappropriate by several public figures, including Minister for Women Marise Payne, who stated that it was not right to ask such personal health questions. [6]
| Year | Controversy | Details | Public Reaction |
| 2019 | Abortion Interview with Berejiklian | Asked the NSW Premier if she would personally have an abortion. | Criticized by Minister for Women Marise Payne and others. |
3. Undisclosed Commercial Agreements (2024)
In August 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that Fordham had breached broadcasting rules. He had promoted Uber as a “side hustle” on his 2GB program without revealing that he had a commercial agreement with Uber.
ACMA ruled that this misled the audience, and 2GB was ordered to implement mandatory training and an external audit to ensure proper disclosures in the future. [7]
| Year | Controversy | Details | Outcome |
| 2024 | Uber Sponsorship Scandal | Promoted Uber as a side hustle without disclosing a sponsorship deal. | ACMA ordered 2GB to implement staff training and external audits. |
4. Withdrawal from Political Fundraiser (2024)
In November 2024, Fordham withdrew from a Liberal Party fundraiser after realizing it was a political fundraising event. The event was advertised with ticket prices on the NSW Liberals’ website. Initially believing it to be a general event, Fordham backed out upon discovering its true nature. He later apologized, stating that he avoids campaign launches and political fundraisers to maintain journalistic integrity. [8]
| Year | Controversy | Details | Outcome |
| 2024 | Liberal Party Fundraiser | Agreed to speak at an event, later realizing it was a political fundraiser. | Withdrew and apologized to maintain journalistic neutrality. |
5. On-Air Dispute with Kyle Sandilands (2025)
In February 2025, Fordham had a heated exchange with Kyle Sandilands during a live interview on John Laws’s 2SM radio show. The argument escalated when Sandilands threw a glass of water at Fordham after a sarcastic remark about American politics.
The interview continued for another 15 minutes, and both hosts later commented on the incident publicly, with Sandilands calling Fordham “arrogant” and Fordham stating that Sandilands needed him for ratings. [9]
| Year | Controversy | Details | Public Reaction |
| 2025 | Clash with Kyle Sandilands | Heated argument on air; Sandilands threw water at Fordham. | Mixed reactions; both defended themselves. |
Ben Fordham Net Worth, Salary
Ben Fordham has an estimated net worth of around $5 million. His annual salary is approximately $1.5 million.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $5 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | $1.5 million per year |
Ben Fordham Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Ben Fordham is 175 cm (1.75 m or 5 ft 9 in) and weighs approximately 87 kg (192 lbs). His hair color is brown, and he has blue eyes.
While his body measurements are yet to be updated, Fordham maintains his fitness through regular workouts.
| Height | In centimeters: 175 cm In meters: 1.75 m In feet & inches: 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | In kg: 87 kg In lbs: 192 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
Ben Fordham Instagram, X, and Facebook
 benfordham9 | |
| X |  @BenFordhamLive |
 BenFordhamRadio |
Interesting Facts About Ben Fordham
- At the age of seven, Ben Fordham was diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing a seizure.
- His father, John Fordham, was a renowned talent agent who passed away in 2019 after battling throat cancer.
- After his father’s passing, Ben chose to keep and wear his father’s extensive sock collection as a sentimental reminder. [10]
- In 2009, Ben was charged with concealing a serious crime and breaching the Listening Devices Act but was found guilty without conviction.
- Ben is actively involved in various charitable activities, including supporting epilepsy awareness and research.
- Inspired by “Australian Ninja Warrior,” he reduced his weight from 97 kg to 82 kg and maintains his fitness through regular workouts.
- Ben Fordham is described as a moderate conservative, closely aligned with the centre-right Liberal Party.
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FAQs
What is Ben Fordham’s salary?
Ben Fordham reportedly earns around $1.5 million per year.
What is Ben Fordham’s height?
His height is approximately 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in).
How did Ben Fordham accumulate his wealth?
He amassed his wealth through a successful career in journalism, radio hosting, and television presenting.
Does Ben Fordham have epilepsy?
Yes, he was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of seven.
What is Ben Fordham’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $5 million.
Where is Ben Fordham currently?
He resides in Sydney, Australia, and hosts the breakfast radio program on 2GB.
Who owns the Fordham Company?
The Fordham Company was founded by Ben’s late father, John Fordham.
How old is Ben Fordham?
As of today, he is 49 years old.
