‘Hard-bitten Scot’ Bruce goes with no fuss, sighing: It’s a shame to leave early
Radio veteran makes a quick goodbye as BBC brings in presenters that appeal to young listeners
HE has been the jovial voice of Radio 2 for decades, and even his farewells were good-humoured.
Ken Bruce said it was a “shame” to be leaving the BBC early, but wrapped up his final show without making a fuss.
His departure has become controversial following claims that bosses brought forward his departure by a month, amid an exodus of experienced presenters and attempts to appeal to younger listeners.
Bruce presented his final mid-morning Radio 2 show after 30 years behind the microphone and, despite saying it was a “shame” to be put on gardening leave, signed off with the “quick goodbye” he had promised.
The 72-year-old broadcaster had vowed that as a “hard-bitten old Scot” he would not be making a fuss or “tugging at the heart strings” during his final programme.
His good-natured departure came after Bruce appeared on the Today programme and commented on his early exit, saying: “It’s entirely within the BBC’S right to ask me to step away a little early. But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining (on my contract), it seems a shame.”
Bruce announced in January that he would be leaving the BBC to join Greatest Hits Radio, becoming the latest experienced presenter to leave the broadcaster, following Paul O’grady and Vanessa Feltz.
Bruce had expected to see out March on the show, and previously said he was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision to end his tenure early, adding that he “wasn’t given any real reason that I understood”.
While referencing these issues on the Today programme, Bruce made no reference to them on his show, which he said would contain “good music” and no “secret messages or hidden agendas”.
The programme included the DJ’S signature Popmaster quiz, and tributes from stars included Rob Brydon and fellow presenter Jeremy Vine, who called him “the most intelligent, generous and talented colleague”.
Bruce thanked his listeners and his colleagues, as well as his employer , saying: “I’ve been here for a long time and, apart from the occasional vagary, it is still the finest broadcasting organisation in the world.”
He did however hint that his audience could follow him to Greatest Hits, saying “may we meet again”.
Bruce’s slot will be taken over by Vernon Kay in May, and Gary Davies will take on presenting duties in the interim.
The changes follow discontent among veteran presenters about the station’s attempt to appeal to youth, which has involved a reduction in music from before the 1990s and an attempt to woo listeners in their 30s and early 40s.
Steve Wright was replaced with Radio 1’s Scott Mills, while other presenters have jumped ship. Paul O’grady quit after being told to share his slot with another presenter, and Vanessa Feltz joined Talkradio.
Feltz accused bosses of a “merciless chasing of younger audiences” and said that their attitude to older presenters and listeners alike was: “You’re too old, you’re too staid, you’re too middleclass, you’re too middle-aged.”
The BBC said: “Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March.
“Returning to Wogan House [the station’s headquarters] for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. We wish Ken all the best for the future.”
‘I’ve been here for a long time and, apart from the occasional vagary, the BBC is still the finest’