The newest investor in Alan Jones’s conservative streaming network is also one of Australia’s richest people.

James Packer has emerged as a financial backer of Australian Digital Holdings (ADH TV), which was launched after his “close friend” Jones was sacked from his prime-time show on Sky News in November 2021, according to The Australian Financial Review.

Mr Packer is estimated to have a wealth of $4.95 billion after selling his 37 per cent share in Crown Resorts in February 2022 for $3.36 billion.

James Packer is no stranger to media investment, with middling results. Photo: AAP

Media interests

Mr Packer has a history of investment and ownership of media businesses, having previously been the owner of the Nine Network. He sold that shareholding over several years leading into 2012.

In 2010, Mr Packer bought a stake and a board seat in the Ten Network, before resigning after a disagreement with fellow media mogul Lachlan Murdoch. By 2017, he no longer had any stake in the company after millions in losses.

The total value of Mr Packer’s investment in ADH TV is unknown. However, it is speculated that the streaming network is valued at about $20 million.

The AFR said the bulk of ADH TVs income came from advertising via Google Ad Manager.

Jones launched the network after he retired from his long-running 2GB Radio show in 2021 and his contract at Sky News, where he was regularly the highest rating host on Sky After Dark, wasn’t renewed.

With Jones about to depart 2GB, the famously reclusive Mr Packer called in to offer his “amazing friend” his best wishes, in one of his final shows.

“Just thinking about you and all the good times we’ve had together and all the kind things you have done for me,” he said.

“You’re an amazing friend and thank you and congratulations.”

ADH TV features libertarian and conservative hosts streaming for five hours a day, seven days a week.

On Jones’ show in 2023, guests have included Mark Latham, Dick Smith, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Nigel Farage.

“You did say in knowing that you were coming, that it was sad to see what is happening in Australia,” Jones said to Donald Trump Jnr, who made an appearance ahead of his Australian speaking tour in May.

“You mean presumably the woke politics, the cancel culture and the focus on race?”

Tweet from @adhtvaus

Family First Party National director Lyle Shelton, who has supported the use of gay conversion therapy and repeatedly referred to children of same-sex couples as a stolen generation, hosts a weekend show on the network.

Controversial figures

Jones has courted controversy across his 40-year career in the media.

A former rugby player and coach, he started hosting a morning radio show in 1985, but is mostly known for his time at 2GB, which he joined in 2002.

Jones was successfully sued multiple times for defamation throughout his career in radio, TV and print media, and was found guilty of racial vilification during his coverage of the 2005 Cronulla riots.

Alan Jones has courted controversy during his career in the media. Photo: Sky News

He has regularly breached radio and television standards, been accused of receiving ‘cash for comment’ on his radio show and has been found in contempt of court.

Mr Packer has also often made headlines, having been involved in public brawls, a high-profile relationship and breakup with Mariah Carey, and corruption allegations involving an Israeli Prime Minister.

In 2020, he revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and in 2023, he donated $7 million towards research into mental health with a focus on mood disorders.

ADH TV chief executive Jack Bulfin was contacted for comment.