If Mark Parton had the good sense to advertise on this website there’s a fair chance he’d be in the Legislative Assembly right now surrounded by a staff of his mates.
Instead, as predicted here last November, he’s given the shove to Radio 2CC’s Mike Jeffreys and taken over the wierdly titled “Best of Breakfast” slot on the little listened to station found on the deprecated AM spectrum.
In a move reminiscent of Soviet Russia (something perhaps, should we have reason to refer to 2cc in future we might call them) there is now no mention of the former star on the website.
And yet Google still thinks he belongs there.
When you displease Canberra’s inner wheel, as Jeffreys did in the Spalding case, life can get very hard.
Whats on the telly?
I saw a duck once
What kind of duck?
A Parton duck?
Did the duck have big ears?
Was it Mr Potato Duck?
“Best of breakfast” is the name of the hour long replay of various interviews from the breakfast show that week. I’ll be interested to hear what actually airs in that slot this morning.
You’re right about Jeffreys disappearing from the 2CC website…they’ve even removed the podcasts of his editorials and interviews.
At least I can connect the dots between 2CC buying “How Green Was My Cactus” and it airing during breakfast now. It used to air on Mix 106.3, and Jeffreys never struck me as the sort of person who appreciated segments like that interrupting his show.
On the bright side, with Alan Jones dropping back to part time (at best) work next year, there could be a slot for Mike up there. I hope so, because him not broadcasting is a crying shame.
Well, I for one always tune in to Mike when I can, I had no idea he was leaving. I will miss him, he is in my opinion a man of very balanced opinions. He tells it how it is and gives the finger to the PC brigade and global warming fanatics. That said, Mark is also good value.
From what I’ve read elsewhere, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mark Parton was happier at 2CC than he would be in the Leg Ass. It’s pretty hard for a family with small children to maintain two careers that require 110% commitment. Perhaps this is a job where he can balance family and enjoyable work?
Thank god 2CC have finally done the right thing and boned the viciously homophobic Jeffreys. His constant attacks on gays were getting over the top, including his moronic nonsense with 2GB’s Jason Morrison. The Monday after the Mardi Gras you can bet your bottom dollar that both of them would be slamming and ridiculing the whole event. Last Thursday Jeffreys had a phone interview with a US gay activist talking about the anti-gay marriage speech of Miss California. Every time the activist tried to make a point Jeffreys would slap him down and defend the woman, and he took two talkback calls from listeners doing the same. There’s one cardinal rule in radio – you never criticise gays because listeners in the cities find that to be a turnoff. John Laws went from number one in his timeslot to number 8 after he began a jihad against gays. Now Jeffreys has found out the consequences of homophobia. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Jeffreys had a quite pompous and condescending style which was quite offputting. He reminded me of that pompous Washington character (David Ogden something) in the M*A*S*H TV series.
A Noisy Noise Annoys An Oyster said :
I believe the actor you are referring to is David Ogden Stiers who played Major Charles Winchester III in MASH between 1977 and 1983.
I didn’t mind Jeffreys as at least he had a political mind and a different view to all the lefties on the ABC.
Although Parton seems to be a nice bloke he hasn’t got a political bone in his body. I can see the ‘Breakfast Show’ becoming a wholesome weekend magazine type show. Parton tries to please everyone and is a yes-man.
Parton does annoy me when he starts his reminiscing and talking about his family. He does this all the time.
I am disappointed that 2CC has taken this direction and will be switching off.
Mike Jeffreys was a pompous puffed-up toad. His constant criticism of Rudd was becoming tiring. Lately he seemed to be running out of original ideas and was relying too much on his reactionary heroes in the media for material, people like Piers Ackerman, Andrew Bolt, Jim Ball. Poor Mike must find it humiliating to be replaced by an inveterate name dropper and bore who stands for absolutely nothing.
Pesty said :
I agree. I prefer MJ over MP.
Why are people directing this nastiness towards Dolly? He is really a nice chap and I am enthralled by the stories he tells about his family and his cooking recipes.
R. Slicker said :
Like I said earlier, he didn’t worry if he upset anyone, he spoke his mind and for the most-part made good sense. I once had the privillage of being interviewed by him. I’m Sorry he is gone.
Panhead said :
I guess not everyone shares your enthusiasm for family stories and recipes. *shrugs*
To me, Jeffreys’ show on 2CC always sounded like a broadcast version of New Idea. Sure, there were some interesting bits, like his chats with Morrison, for example. What I DID like about Jeffreys was that, unlike the magazine, I didn’t have to pay four bucks every time I wanted to listen to him.
I agree with everything The_Phantom said, especially about Mark Parton constantly gabbing on about his family. Very annoying. Parton doesn’t float my boat at all – never has, and I won’t be listening to him on 2CC. He is blancmange with a bitter aftertaste.
no mention of the former star on the website.
Mike Jeffreys has always been at war with Eastasia.
So I can have Solly or Parton for the drive to work…… no thanks, it’s back to the CD player for me
madjimmy said :
+1
The combined IQ of Canberra morning radio has just halved with the departure of Jeffreys. Scotty and Nige are at least entertaining – shame about the music they play though.
To even suggest that Jefferys would turn up at 2GB is a joke, have you seen their share price down to 19c from $1.90 after the float.
Sydney radio 2UE’s Mike Carlton is living testament that the days of the Holier than Thou condasending jock are over. We are in tough times and we want a laugh let’s get
Barry Ion, Rick Melbourne, Malcolm T, Ian McRae, Peter Bosley and others back on.
Radio has lost the plot, maybe Jeffreys can go back to studying medicine?? because the jobs that were there in the ’70’s are no longer available. Or why not joing ex-colleagues Greg Evans at 3SR Shepparton, or Geoff Sunderland at 5MU Murray Bridge.
Pesty said :
Yes, clearly a man of very balanced opinions.
Mike Jeffreys didn’t run with the Canberra media pack, and therefore provided us with much-needed diversity.
Yes, he was sometimes condescending, sometimes boring, sometimes misguided. But he did present different viewpoints. And sometimes he was the only one in town who asked the hard questions. Not perfect, but useful.
And occasionally, when he got out of his comfort zone, he did some fantastic interviews. When in form, when in charm and when his cynicism was turned off, he had the ability to generate great insights from his interviewees, and provide warm and enjoyable listening.
Anyway, he’s gone, and I’m sure will turn up somewhere else. Now it’s up to Mark Parton, a different personality, a different approach but with the baggage of being a wannabe politician.
For those who value different viewpoints in the media, it’s important that Mark performs well on 2CC. We hope he is entertaining, topical and most of all, credible. Because if whoever owns 2CC can’t get talk right in this town, we’ll all be listening to non-stop country music.
The_Phantom said :
I’m with you I cant stand Mark Parton, And will be tuning off as well, I wonder whats happened
When Parton left MIX, so did I. The remaining presenter of that partnership always drove me nuts so when it was clear that she was staying, that decided me there and then.
Good to hear that Parton has got a permanent gig now but, since I have changed to 2CA and really enjoy all their programs, I’m not too sure I’ll be switching over to 2CC very often.
Always find it funny that people say they can’t stand to listen to so and so, or so and so is a rampant homophobe but they still listen. To say you hate Parton’s family stories indicates you still listen.
Geez if I don’t like something I change channels or switch off. What ridiculous carry on
vg said :
Yeah, it’s like scratching a mozzie bite – you know you shouldn’t, but it is strangely satisfying to do so, anyway.
I only heard Parton a few times on the FM band, and did think his commentary wasn’t my cup of tea, so I switched off. I did take more notice of him when he threw his hat into the ring for the local election, due to the real possibility of him holding the balance of power.
Let’s keep things in perspective – 2CC only attracts about 5% of the potential listening audience in this town. Commercial talk back has been an abject failure in Canberra and that wishy washy idiot Parton will assist in belting a few more nails into its coffin.
“Wishy washy idiot” – great description of Dolly. He is such a light-weight wimp of a’yes man’. I am one of the apparent 5% who thought Jeffreys was a real alternative to the snivelling ABC lefties. I’ll be doing my early morning listening on-line now. Still yet to decide to whom.
I went to ABC this morning and wont be going back to 2cc in that timeslot. I have to say though ABC as excrutiatingly boring. Will check out the old CD’s tommorrow morning.
I station surfed this morning without relief….next plan is to find something on internet radio and stream…not sure how to route that to the shower though!
CD sounded great this morning. Parton is wet as a flooded rice paddy in a monsoonal downpour.
I’d rather listen to the ABCs left wing bias than Parton’s placation of everyone.
When Mike Jeffreys first arrived on the scene at 2CC I was thinking ‘what have we got here’ but over time I warmed to him, and for the past few years I rarely missed his program. Mike was a straight shooter….perhaps fearless…..and did not let the pollies (and others) get away with anything.I particularly enjoyed the asides that he had with the news crew – he is an ad liber with a quick mind. His segment with Jason Morrison was also entertaining. Like him or loath him Mike always thanked people for ‘coming on the program’ which is rare on talkback these days….most (especially Steve Price) hanging up before the caller knows what has happened!!!
I’m still contemplating what station to tune to in the morning slot – after almost a week and during a period of filling in over the holidays I doubt very much that I will be listening to Mark Parton (agree with previous comments).
I will miss Jane Turner presenting the news though…..she is a consummate professional. Guess I shouldn’t worry too much….she will be poached by 2UE or the like before long.
To Mike Jeffreys I say…..thanks for the morning entertainment over the years (you are going to be sorely missed) and I wish you well for the future. Hopefully you will be back on air in this region before we know it!
What a shame such a great person has been taken off our airwaves. It was refreshing to hear someone with good opinions about things and who was willing to share those opinions. For those who say that Mike didn’t listen to what others had to say I disagree. It makes for good listening for some heated debates and especially good listening when the host gets fired up. After Laws left the airwaves, Mike was good to listen to. Guess I’ll be listening to more of Steve Price now. 2CC will soon be struggling to get any listeners.
listened to mark this morning. he played some classic bill cosby, got to work with a smile on my face, even after the fool on the parkway in the mercedes who cut me off and proceeded to slow down to 70…
Alexander said :
Try Fran Kelly, Radio National on 846 am. Now that Mike’s departed it’s the only signal in town worth listening to at Breakfast.
the inside story i have heard is that jeffreys did not hide his disapproval of the gay lifestyle of key 2cc and 2ca personnel, including his management. parton as the consummate politician who never rocks the boat will take this in his stride. it should be seen as a win-win for all: a win for the gay staff who will no longer be ashamed of their sexual orientation at work, and a win for gay rights.
“A win for gay staff and gay rights.” It was a radio show not the bloody mardi-gras. Stick to the ABC- you’ll be happy with the ‘culture’ there.
Well, if he was harassing co-staff about stuff like that, he must have been a pleasure to work with, not.
Jeffreys seems like a nice sort of bloke to me and his show was entertaining. Maybe these radio station bosses with gay lifestyles were trying to hit on him and he was unhappy about it.
At least we always got a full show with Jeffreys. Parton does half a show and replays the first half again from 7.30. Drop in some Cactus and other pre-recorded guff and 2cc calls this a program. Seems they are seeking a beige profile with the other non-entities in Graham Robinson and Anthony Kierce filling out the week after Parton.
I’ve moved to Fran too. Insightful, analytical comment.
Why didn’t they get Mike Frame in to replace Jefferys? At least he’s a nice guy and the listeners know him.
I am listening every morning to 2cc. great to hear mark back on the airwaves. I know him from work he did at a couple of events, i was fortunate enough to have him at the same table as me. I enjoyed talking with him, and i enjoy his light hearted banter in the morning. I really don’t want insightful analytical comment, and it really is a case of each to his own…
Radio nothing. If the Liberal party have any brain matter than they should recruit Mike Jeffreys to run the ACT, he has more gonads and more single intelligence then the entire collective intelligence and knowhow of the ACT Legislature. Both Liberal and Labor voters would at least get a person who would listen, analyse and make an informed balanced decision base on real facts and benefits not emotion or corruption. Love him or hate him he at least has courage and he calls it the way it is. The main reason Parton didn’t get elected was because of his ‘native’ intelligence and indecisive demeanour. Unfortunately for 2CC, Jeffreys raised the bar so high that the listeners with developed intelligence will have to resort to other forms of media to get a brain fix. For the benefit of earlier commentators you must admit that you will be mighty bored without him and that includes the sodomites. I hope Mike starts ups a classy internet radio program that we can stream.
Classy…. “sodomites”. Quite.
peterh said :
It certainly is Peter. I however like a bit of bit in my radio listening and find Parton not to my taste. He constantly sits on the fence and spends to much time talking about Aussie Rules and his family. I’m sure they are good people but there’s nothing people hate more than listening to someone talk about their own kids over and over. To me it’s the radio equivalent of being invited over to watch a slideshow of someone else’s holidays. As a past political aspirant I’d expect Parton to be more biting on key issues in the ACT but he comes across as wishy-washy on pretty much everything. Maybe with time he’ll develop a point of view and stick with it with some fervor, till then I’ll have to listen to ABC or my CD’s while driving to work.
BerraBoy68 said :
ah, the joys of an am radio in an old car! I have known mark for several years, the discussion he had this morning with the brumbies and JennyBrockie from insight were worthwhile. I also get twitter updates from him, if it looks like the discussions are going to be interesting, I tune in. If not, back to 1053. Mark understands that there are times I won’t listen to him. That said, he aims for those who will. Focusing on those who won’t doesn’t help him do his job.
Shouldn’t that be “I get twatter updates from him”? And what does he update you on – his kids?
Consolidator said :
What I found most troubling about his campaign is that he branded himself “The Voice of Reason”, but then was very cagey and vague about what exactly he stood for. It’s not good enough to say, “Hey – I’m a nice guy, with a nice family, and I’m concerned about Canberra, so please give me the balance of power, because you know I’ll do what’s right”. He may have thought he could be trusted with that responsibility without showing his cards, but evidently the electorate disagreed.