In the cutthroat world of talk radio, authenticity is currency, and Mark Levy’s got it in spades.
As the new voice of 2GB’s powerhouse morning slot, following in the footsteps of broadcasting titan Ray Hadley, Levy knows exactly what he’s stepped into. But as he tells Mediaweek Australia in the debut episode of the Newsmakers podcast, he’’s not looking to fill anyone’s shoes, he’s making his own tracks.
“It’s not lost on me,” Levy says, reflecting on the weight of inheriting one of Australia’s most listened-to programs. “You wonder, will they like me? Will they hang around? But I’m not a stranger to the audience. I’ve been here for 18 years. They know me, and I know them.”
You can listen to the full chat with Mark here:
A familiar voice with fresh fire
Levy’s no newcomer to the mic. Known for his work on 2GB’s Continuous Call Team and his sharp commentary on sport and politics, he brings a direct and self-described “street-smart” sensibility to the airwaves. The transition to hosting mornings wasn’t just a step up, it was a leap into deeper waters.
“I’ve always had a strong opinion,” he says. “I love football, I get to call the football, but now I get to go deeper on political issues too. That’s been both a challenge and a really enjoyable part of the job.”
Listeners tuning in between 9am and midday quickly learn that Levy doesn’t mince words, but he doesn’t shout over his guests either. “Whether you agree or disagree, I’ll always be respectful… unless it’s a ridiculous point of view. Then I’ll get a bit cranky.”
A career built not bought
Levy’s style? Forthright, full-throttle, and unfiltered. But don’t confuse that with recklessness. He’s careful with facts, proud of his convictions, and unbothered by critics hiding behind screens.
“One thing I’m really proud of is that I put my name to my opinions,” he tells Newsmakers. “You develop a thick skin pretty young, especially if you’ve been a rugby league referee like I was. In this business, if you’ve got something to say, you’ve got to own it.”
And own it he does. Levy sees his role as part commentator, part connector, bridging the gap between public voices and the everyday Aussie listener.
There’s no diploma hanging behind his mic. Levy didn’t go the formal route, no university, no media degree, but he did go hard. “Anybody who knows me knows how hard I’ve worked. That means giving up weekends, missing weddings, missing funerals. But that’s what it takes.”
Power, politics and plenty of new friends
Taking over the morning microphone hasn’t just raised his public profile, it’s redrawn his personal network. “I’ve never made so many new friends,” he laughs. “All these politicians, business leaders, they all want to be your best mate now. The coffees, the lunches, the dinners…”
But Levy’s not easily dazzled. “I can sort out who’s blowing smoke and who’s not.”
That candid, no-nonsense perspective is exactly why Mediaweek chose Levy to launch its Newsmakers podcast, a new series that spotlights prominent voices shaping the media, advertising, and political landscape in Australia.
With guests who are both on-air and behind the scenes, Newsmakers dives into the people driving national conversations.