Former NSW deputy Premier Andrew Stoner is suing broadcaster Alan Jones and Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham after they criticised his actions in relation to contentious coal seam gas and coal mining projects.

Mr Stoner, who was leader of the NSW Nationals until he quit in October, has launched defamation proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court claiming his reputation was damaged by five broadcasts in June and August last year.

Suing: Andrew Stoner. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer/Fairfax Media

It is understood the legal action was launched after Jones and Mr Buckingham did not accede to demands they each pay Mr Stoner a six-figure sum.

In four broadcasts on radio 2GB in June, Jones attacked Mr Stoner as "dumb as a plank of wood" and accused him of describing a group of anti-coal seam gas protesters at Bentley on the NSW north coast, as "professional bludgers".