Youtube ‘more tempting than being radio DJ’

FOR decades, they have entertained the nation from behind a microphone, educating generations with their musical tastes.

But the future of the DJ looks a little less certain today, after the head of Radio 1 admitted he is struggling to find new talent in a world of Youtubers and reality TV.

‘I’m always looking for fresh, new talent. I think it’s weird at the moment, how it’s getting harder’

Ben Cooper, controller of the BBC station, said it is becoming increasingly difficult to find talented new presenters as tastes in youth culture change.

As music television presenters fall out of fashion, he said, they have been replaced by the fleeting fame of reality TV stars and Youtubers who are easily lured away from the BBC for lucrative world tours for their fans.

Speaking as he announced plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Radio 1, Mr Cooper said is it now “really hard to find those next stars in the radio industry”.

He also emphasised the importance of broadening radio’s appeal to online and digital, as fewer people choose to listen on their car or kitchen radios.

As part of plans to win over fresh audiences to DAB radio, he has now launched a series of programmes for a three-day “pop up radio”, celebrating five decades of the youth station.

Radio 1 Vintage will see names such as Tony Blackburn return to the airwaves as they broadcast 50 hours starring 50 DJS and the best of their original shows.

Featured DJS will include John Peel, Noel Edmonds, Bob Harris, Kenny Everett, Zoe Ball, Chris Moyles, Mike Read and Tim Westwood, intended to be the best of each generation for listeners to reminisce about.

Asked about some of his current Radio 1 DJS, and whether they were approaching an age where they would be moved on to an older station, Mr Cooper said: “I’m always looking for fresh, new talent. I’m always looking for new presenters.

“I think it’s really weird, at the moment, how it’s getting harder.”