Ken Bruce has claimed that radio presenters are 'at the mercy of programmers and bosses', reflecting on the exit of his fellow broadcasting veteran Steve Wright from BBC Radio 2.
Departure from BBC Radio 2
Bruce left the corporation in 2023 after more than 30 years hosting his mid-morning show, signing off with Golden Slumbers by The Beatles. He told listeners: 'And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make - and I have loved being here with you.' He added: 'Thank you so much, and may we meet again somewhere.'
Wright was similarly gracious when his Radio 2 show ended in 2022 following the BBC's decision. He said at the time: 'We tried to make the show unique and just be good company. I can only hope that we've done that some of the time.'
Reaction to Wright's Exit
Wright, who died in 2024 aged 69, had allegedly been told the BBC wanted 'something different'. Bruce told The Mail's Weekend magazine: 'I was very sorry for Steve when he came off daytime. I think they gave him a decent amount of warning, but he was not pleased.'
Bruce argues that bosses are constantly chasing 'the next big thing' instead of backing what already works. He said the US often takes a different approach, with programmes running for 'donkey's years', whereas in the UK ITV has focused on refreshing older formats like Bullseye.
Wright's Legacy
Wright previously said he understood the station's call and looked back on his tenure with gratitude, calling himself 'extremely lucky' and stressing he had 'never taken it for granted'. He released a lighthearted statement: 'There is no truth in the rumour I'm planning to open my own artisan bakery, and I've turned down twice the chance to open my own nail bar. So it's all good.'
He endorsed his successors, stating: 'Please do listen to Scott Mills and Sara Cox when they take over afternoons. They are both brilliant broadcasters and I truly wish them well when they start.'
Wright died in 2024, with acute peritonitis and a perforated gastric peptic ulcer given as the cause of death. He spent decades as a prominent figure in British broadcasting, presenting programmes on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 and even Top of the Pops. He was recognised for his contribution to radio in the 2023 New Year Honours list, receiving an honour for services to the medium.
