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Jonestown: The Power And The Myth Of Alan Jones
'Tough and impassioned this is a finely written and sparkling book.' Bridget Griffen-Foley, The Sydney Morning Herald
'Masters unveils a richly detailed and surprisingly rounded portrait of
Jones...the account of how Jones wields and abuses his power as a broadcaster makes for profoundly disturbing reading.' Matthew Ricketson, The Age
How do we rank a man who raises millions for people in need but whose actions waste millions in support of unworthy mates and poor public policy? How do we define someone who on his own finds jobs for the out of work but who routinely trashes the careers of others?
These are some of the many paradoxes of Alan Jones. Why is he adored? Why is he reviled? Why does this talk radio host have the power to dine with presidents, lecture prime ministers and premiers, and influence government ministers? And how is it that he could not only survive such a scandal as the 'cash for comment' affair, but go on to greater reward? Chris Masters seeks the answers to these questions and in doing so reveals a complex individual and the potent relationship he has with both Struggle Street and the big end of town.
Compelling and probing, Jonestown takes us to the hazardous intersection of populism and politics. It reaches deep into a powerful industry and exposes the myth and the magic of a very powerful man. a very powerful man.
'Masters unveils a richly detailed and surprisingly rounded portrait of
Jones...the account of how Jones wields and abuses his power as a broadcaster makes for profoundly disturbing reading.' Matthew Ricketson, The Age
How do we rank a man who raises millions for people in need but whose actions waste millions in support of unworthy mates and poor public policy? How do we define someone who on his own finds jobs for the out of work but who routinely trashes the careers of others?
These are some of the many paradoxes of Alan Jones. Why is he adored? Why is he reviled? Why does this talk radio host have the power to dine with presidents, lecture prime ministers and premiers, and influence government ministers? And how is it that he could not only survive such a scandal as the 'cash for comment' affair, but go on to greater reward? Chris Masters seeks the answers to these questions and in doing so reveals a complex individual and the potent relationship he has with both Struggle Street and the big end of town.
Compelling and probing, Jonestown takes us to the hazardous intersection of populism and politics. It reaches deep into a powerful industry and exposes the myth and the magic of a very powerful man. a very powerful man.
568 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
26 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Chris Masters
6 books4 followersChristopher "Chris" Wayne Masters (born 4 December 1948 in Grafton, New South Wales) is a multi-Walkley Award winning and Logie Award winning Australian journalist and author.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 5, 2014
Chris Masters is one of Australia's greatest ever journalists and it shows in this book as it is magnificently researched.
The problem is many people won't know Alan Jones well enough to be interested in his life just for the sake of it.
It is a great book though and the influence of Jones (unfortunately) extends far beyond his broadcast network.
It is a good read about an influential Australian character who you may not have known that well before. If you live in Sydney then this is required reading.
The problem is many people won't know Alan Jones well enough to be interested in his life just for the sake of it.
It is a great book though and the influence of Jones (unfortunately) extends far beyond his broadcast network.
It is a good read about an influential Australian character who you may not have known that well before. If you live in Sydney then this is required reading.
October 15, 2025
Reading a biography of Alan Jones is to be reminded of Sydney's worst traits. Alan Jones was Sydney, and Sydney was Jonestown: brazen, extrovert, smug, and amoral. Masters paints a comprehensive picture of power in an age where media figures as individuals could demand the heads of ministers and premiers.
November 19, 2011
This is a great book for all those readers that like reading books that fight back against powerful forces. And Alan Jones is, undoubtedly a powerful force, as is brilliantly described in this book. As a reader, you will be constantly amazed at the continual support and traction Jones receives despite his aggressive and abrasive nature. I was particularly intersted to read about his school days, both as student and teacher, and I was surprised at how well those years have served him, even to the present day. Despite all the nasty parts of Alan, it was a fascinating life to learn about.
The book gives you incredible insight into many of the facets of Jones' life that remain hidden from his loyal and ever-forgiving listeners. The book deals extensively with his days coaching Rugby Union, and then later on, Rugby League. It also deals with his homosexuality, and the particularly public insident involving Jones and a Brittish public toilet.
The book gives a wonderfully holistic view of his time behind the microphone at both 2UE and 2GB, as well as his various other media pursuits. It also covers in some detail the "cash for comment" inquiry as well as how Jones has not only dealt with, but survived the harshest of criticism.
On the face of this book, it may look like hard work. I am pleased to say that it isn't. Masters has written this in a prevocative and lively style that will keep you wanting to learn more and more. It does follow the book-format of a 4 corners documentary format, but I think most people who read this book will enjoy and relish that investigative and thoroughly researched format.
I came to this book having a general dislike for the man based on brief tidbits I had heard about his operation methods and the impact he has on public opinion. But it was an uninformed opinion that I held, and in my quest to confirm the validity of my opinion, I began with this book. It is an excellent read. It has a great rhythm and keeps your attention from start to finish. In many ways, its a book for the good guys; offering the other side to what at times can be a very one dimensional narrative that Jones writes for himself. Masters should be proud of what he has acheived, and anyone who is interested in politics, sport, the media, Australia and Australian personalities will love this book.
The book gives you incredible insight into many of the facets of Jones' life that remain hidden from his loyal and ever-forgiving listeners. The book deals extensively with his days coaching Rugby Union, and then later on, Rugby League. It also deals with his homosexuality, and the particularly public insident involving Jones and a Brittish public toilet.
The book gives a wonderfully holistic view of his time behind the microphone at both 2UE and 2GB, as well as his various other media pursuits. It also covers in some detail the "cash for comment" inquiry as well as how Jones has not only dealt with, but survived the harshest of criticism.
On the face of this book, it may look like hard work. I am pleased to say that it isn't. Masters has written this in a prevocative and lively style that will keep you wanting to learn more and more. It does follow the book-format of a 4 corners documentary format, but I think most people who read this book will enjoy and relish that investigative and thoroughly researched format.
I came to this book having a general dislike for the man based on brief tidbits I had heard about his operation methods and the impact he has on public opinion. But it was an uninformed opinion that I held, and in my quest to confirm the validity of my opinion, I began with this book. It is an excellent read. It has a great rhythm and keeps your attention from start to finish. In many ways, its a book for the good guys; offering the other side to what at times can be a very one dimensional narrative that Jones writes for himself. Masters should be proud of what he has acheived, and anyone who is interested in politics, sport, the media, Australia and Australian personalities will love this book.
November 28, 2024
Excellent book. Thoroughly researched. If you’re interested to know the whole story then I recommend this book.
November 5, 2020
This book was published awhile ago now, but I've taken a recent interest in people who come to power with absolutely no democratic mandate, and Alan Jones is a clear case study.
It's interesting that at the time this book was written, a big part of the concern with Alan Jones was 'cash for comment' - his forwarding financial interests under the guise of editorial content. This is related to some of the other problems that democracy has been having lately around 'fake news', which Jones is also guilty of spreading. His role in inciting the Cronulla riots (which isn't covered a great deal in this book) alongside his other malarkey, in retrospect, probably should have been a warning about the kinds of problems that highly charged, emotive media (and social media) can bring about - i.e. real world violence, systemic dehumanisation of groups of people, the displacement of factual content and thoughtful analysis with temper tantrums, the inability of people who don't always agree with one another to converse.
A small detail that struck me was the fact that Alan Jones is vehemently anti-asylum seekers, and yet would hear about individual cases and tell the Immigration minister at the time (Phillip Ruddock, for instance) to grant them a visa. That level of cognitive dissonance is unreal. If people get the opportunity to be seen as a human being by Alan Jones, then his lobbying power will save their life. If not, then they're the people he'll spend hours whinging about, building moral panic over.
It seems one of Jones's driving forces is probably shame, internalised homophobia, made more powerful by the fact that his listenership is disproportionately disapproving of the LGBTIQ+ community. What made Alan Jones powerful was his listeners, the fact that there were so many, the fact that they seemed pretty convinced by him (whether it's because Alan Jones says what they think, tells them how to think, or is good at rhetoric, idk), and that they'll vote in line with his views - although probably not to the extent that elections are likely won or lost on his command, as Masters points out. This listenership - or the threat of it - has led him to have unreasonable, disproportionate power on NSW and federal policy; politicians have allowed him to shape their agenda because of these listeners. And yet his listeners also require him to hide his sexuality. As much as I'm no fan of Alan Jones, I think that's really sad, I feel sorry for him. I think that homophobia probably was a factor in the destructive force he ended up being, not that that's an excuse for, you know, literally inciting race riots.
This book is not up-to-date with Alan Jones scandal. The horrific way he treated Julia Gillard, for example, was post-publication, as is the fact that he's no longer on radio, and the grassroots, dedicated campaign to get advertisers to distance themselves from his offensive comments. But the book is significant grounding through which you can interpret these more recent issues.
I wasn't interested in the rugby stuff because I've never followed the sport, don't know any of the names mentioned, don't understand it in any fundamental way, so there was quite a lot I ended up skipping over. But it's otherwise an interesting, comprehensive overview of a mystifying, angry man.
It's interesting that at the time this book was written, a big part of the concern with Alan Jones was 'cash for comment' - his forwarding financial interests under the guise of editorial content. This is related to some of the other problems that democracy has been having lately around 'fake news', which Jones is also guilty of spreading. His role in inciting the Cronulla riots (which isn't covered a great deal in this book) alongside his other malarkey, in retrospect, probably should have been a warning about the kinds of problems that highly charged, emotive media (and social media) can bring about - i.e. real world violence, systemic dehumanisation of groups of people, the displacement of factual content and thoughtful analysis with temper tantrums, the inability of people who don't always agree with one another to converse.
A small detail that struck me was the fact that Alan Jones is vehemently anti-asylum seekers, and yet would hear about individual cases and tell the Immigration minister at the time (Phillip Ruddock, for instance) to grant them a visa. That level of cognitive dissonance is unreal. If people get the opportunity to be seen as a human being by Alan Jones, then his lobbying power will save their life. If not, then they're the people he'll spend hours whinging about, building moral panic over.
It seems one of Jones's driving forces is probably shame, internalised homophobia, made more powerful by the fact that his listenership is disproportionately disapproving of the LGBTIQ+ community. What made Alan Jones powerful was his listeners, the fact that there were so many, the fact that they seemed pretty convinced by him (whether it's because Alan Jones says what they think, tells them how to think, or is good at rhetoric, idk), and that they'll vote in line with his views - although probably not to the extent that elections are likely won or lost on his command, as Masters points out. This listenership - or the threat of it - has led him to have unreasonable, disproportionate power on NSW and federal policy; politicians have allowed him to shape their agenda because of these listeners. And yet his listeners also require him to hide his sexuality. As much as I'm no fan of Alan Jones, I think that's really sad, I feel sorry for him. I think that homophobia probably was a factor in the destructive force he ended up being, not that that's an excuse for, you know, literally inciting race riots.
This book is not up-to-date with Alan Jones scandal. The horrific way he treated Julia Gillard, for example, was post-publication, as is the fact that he's no longer on radio, and the grassroots, dedicated campaign to get advertisers to distance themselves from his offensive comments. But the book is significant grounding through which you can interpret these more recent issues.
I wasn't interested in the rugby stuff because I've never followed the sport, don't know any of the names mentioned, don't understand it in any fundamental way, so there was quite a lot I ended up skipping over. But it's otherwise an interesting, comprehensive overview of a mystifying, angry man.
October 9, 2012
It fascinated me to see how a man of fairly ordinary intellect, with a horrible voice for radio and very narrow sympathies could have had so many politicians at the mercy of his crackpot whims. The demons that drive Alan Jones's manic self-promotion are such that, if it were not for his persistent and nasty personal attacks I might be less unforgiving of his disregard for evidence and reason.
Thankfully, there is more to be written and I hope the author is at work on this right now. Chris Masters has the skills of a historian and the flair of a first rate journalist.
August 29, 2022
A fascinating insight into someone detestable. I learnt a lot but my opinion was unchanged.
November 4, 2019
This book strikes me as a product of its time and given it was published over a decade ago that is probably to be expected. I have to say from the outset that I am diametrically opposed to Alan Jones' political and social philosophies in every possible way. As a broadcaster, he often represents views that are narrow, conservative, mean spirited and misogynistic. His shameful attack on Julia Gillard employing the passing of her father as a weapon with which to vilify, is but one such example.
However, I found aspects of this undoubtedly well researched biography uncomfortably narrow in the way Jones' private life is described. Whether or not, the way Jones conducts his relationships or lack thereof is not all that relevant as long as there is nothing criminal or unlawful in his behaviour and if I have a criticism of this book, it is that it is slightly preoccupied with relating details and anecdotes that come across as little more than gossip in some instances. I don't like Jones but the danger of someone like him is in the way he wields his influence and power in advocacy and lobbying of politicians and causes. I am not all the interested in who he is or isn't sleeping with or has a crush on. Again, as long as everyone is consenting and an adult. While this book provides many valuable insights into what drove him to take on the role he has in the Australian media and sporting landscape, it also left me feeling slightly uncomfortable in the way it dealt with other aspects of his life. Jones as portrayed in "Jonestown", is self serving, arrogant, petty, ambitious and egotistical. I am content to judge him for those things and leave the details of his private life to him.
However, I found aspects of this undoubtedly well researched biography uncomfortably narrow in the way Jones' private life is described. Whether or not, the way Jones conducts his relationships or lack thereof is not all that relevant as long as there is nothing criminal or unlawful in his behaviour and if I have a criticism of this book, it is that it is slightly preoccupied with relating details and anecdotes that come across as little more than gossip in some instances. I don't like Jones but the danger of someone like him is in the way he wields his influence and power in advocacy and lobbying of politicians and causes. I am not all the interested in who he is or isn't sleeping with or has a crush on. Again, as long as everyone is consenting and an adult. While this book provides many valuable insights into what drove him to take on the role he has in the Australian media and sporting landscape, it also left me feeling slightly uncomfortable in the way it dealt with other aspects of his life. Jones as portrayed in "Jonestown", is self serving, arrogant, petty, ambitious and egotistical. I am content to judge him for those things and leave the details of his private life to him.
May 19, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded down.
Just a terrific example of investigative journalism.
I find it amusing that some reviews of this biography are positive and yet slightly disparaging of Masters' portrayal of Jones' sexuality and the closeted position in which he found himself in.
Retrospectively, and in light of the 11 sexual assault charges against him (which I'm certain Masters would have known about and just didn't have the legal grounds to speculate upon), he is completely justified in portraying his perverted behaviour in the way he did, amidst ALL the other unscrupulous and downright ILLEGAL acts of Alan Jones.
The fact that Alan - being as polemic as he is - was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia award is truly reflective of the internal corruption that can plague Australian politics, and I'm not just saying that because I don't like him.
Read the book and find out
Just a terrific example of investigative journalism.
I find it amusing that some reviews of this biography are positive and yet slightly disparaging of Masters' portrayal of Jones' sexuality and the closeted position in which he found himself in.
Retrospectively, and in light of the 11 sexual assault charges against him (which I'm certain Masters would have known about and just didn't have the legal grounds to speculate upon), he is completely justified in portraying his perverted behaviour in the way he did, amidst ALL the other unscrupulous and downright ILLEGAL acts of Alan Jones.
The fact that Alan - being as polemic as he is - was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia award is truly reflective of the internal corruption that can plague Australian politics, and I'm not just saying that because I don't like him.
Read the book and find out
March 28, 2019
“What a little worm” to steal a quote from Black Adder. I need to state upfront that I am not a fan of Alan Jones, or anything he does, and this thoroughly researched and well written piece by Australian journalist Chris Masters, does nothing to change my mind. Alan Jones has certainly worked hard to achieve what he has – did the background work, greased palms, wheedled his way into the right circles (and that is hard work folks) – and Masters’ biography demonstrates that. Right along with his temper tantrums, toadying, narcissism, crippling self-doubt, loneliness and dealing with his sexuality. Well worth reading if you have an interest in Jones or Australian broadcasting.
Read
August 15, 2020Just couldn't get enthused about it.
December 17, 2020
an expose of a dangerous individual; well-researched by one of Australia's best journalists
December 4, 2012
Despite having had this book for quite sometime, I really couldn't be bothered reading it. I don't think I've ever heard anything much about Jones that makes him the sort of person that I'd be interested in hearing more from, or about.
Having said that, his latest idiocy re the Prime Minister of this country, did jog my interest mildly, and I picked it up, in the hope that the book might cast some light. Not on his small minded behaviour, but on how it is that such a transparent individual can somehow command such power.
The author, it has to be said, did what seems to be a very fair and even-handed outlining of what might perhaps be behind Jones's appalling behaviour. Not that I find any of it any excuse, and I thought Master's did an excellent job in not excusing, not justifying, not condemning with any vitriol. It was reasoned, it was succinct and it was interesting.
I still don't get his impact, but I was very appreciative of the tone and nature of this book.
Having said that, his latest idiocy re the Prime Minister of this country, did jog my interest mildly, and I picked it up, in the hope that the book might cast some light. Not on his small minded behaviour, but on how it is that such a transparent individual can somehow command such power.
The author, it has to be said, did what seems to be a very fair and even-handed outlining of what might perhaps be behind Jones's appalling behaviour. Not that I find any of it any excuse, and I thought Master's did an excellent job in not excusing, not justifying, not condemning with any vitriol. It was reasoned, it was succinct and it was interesting.
I still don't get his impact, but I was very appreciative of the tone and nature of this book.
May 7, 2016
Typically thorough, well researched and forthright - everything one expects from a Chris Masters book - this is a fair but damning assessment of the legend in his own lunchbox, Alan Jones. It is also a lesson in how easily the cult of personality can influence the masses and manipulate the truth. It can be best summed up by a bumper sticker I saw the day after I had finished the book ... "Is it the truth or did Alan Jones tell you?"
January 8, 2011
Firstly I have to congratulate Chris Masters for taking on and seeing this task through to conclusion, no small undertaking, very well done Chris reminiscent of the old ABC. It really shows how a person can be both good and bad how people can manipulate other people for their own gain, good for the lucky few who cares about the rest, its an excellent book on many levels.
January 24, 2016
This is not my usual genre. I have little interest in Sport or media and no interest in Alan Jones as a broadcaster. Therefore I began reading this almost unwillingly, having been leant the book by my son-in-law.
I found it fascinating , informative and well presented.
I found it fascinating , informative and well presented.
March 8, 2011
A fascinating portrait of a repugnant man.
October 2, 2012
A fascinating read to get some background on Alan Jones' rise to power and the hypocrisy and lies that are behind so many aspects of his life. Particularly relevant this week.
November 6, 2012
Appalled that politicians bent to him !
October 1, 2014
A brilliantly-researched expose on the controversial, intriguing and hugely influential Sydney broadcaster.
February 22, 2024
In the early pages Jones is quoted as asking “will they think I’m a…” I won’t use the word but it seems like the answer is yes. A skillful dissection of the man and the myth.
April 18, 2012
It started to get a bit repetitive, just like Alan.
May 19, 2013
Brillant...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews