Jones'original broadcast stated in part:"This lightweight New Zealand prime minister,Jacinda Ardern,is challenging Scott Morrison over climate change. Jacinda Ardern gets a headline because she's promised to have a carbon neutral economy,carbon dioxide we're talking about.

"Oh,she's excluded agriculture and methane ... Now I hope Scott Morrison gets tough here with a few backhanders. He's got a stack of staff. Someone should have him this morning with a full briefing. The fact is since 1990 New Zealand has grown carbon dioxide per capita by 10.8 per cent."

In contrast,the commentsMedia Watchran were:"This lightweight New Zealand prime minister,Jacinda Ardern,is challenging Scott Morrison over climate change ... Now I hope Scott Morrison gets tough here with a few backhanders ... Hasn't got a clue,this woman."

Media Watchhost Paul Barry said he wished Jones all the best should he lodge a formal objection with the ABC's complaints-handling department.

"We were told he was planning to complain. We assumed it was to the ABC. We wish him luck with whichever he chooses."

2GB sources said legal action was being considered. It is well-known among media circles that Jones is acquainted with ABC chair Ita Buttrose.

Jones'comments on Thursday have resulted in several companies withdrawing their advertising from 2GB's breakfast show,including gym franchise Anytime Fitness and hardware chain Total Tools.

Ms Ardern has largely brushed off the comments and stated she is open to criticism. However,the New Zealand Labour leader delivered a subtle sledge on Tuesday,telling a local radio program:"I understand that[Jones] of course used to be closely linked to the Wallabies... let's just say that I think revenge is best served through a Bledisloe Cup."

The New Zealand All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup over the weekend for the 17th year running,defeating the Wallabies 36-0 at Auckland's Eden Park.

Nine,the owner of this masthead,has a majority stake in Macquarie Media,2GB's parent company.

with Laura Chung