Ken Bruce, the former BBC Radio 2 presenter who left his mid-morning show in 2023 after 46 years at the corporation, has criticised the BBC for prioritising younger audiences over established programming. Speaking to The Telegraph, Bruce, now a DJ on Greatest Hits Radio, said that despite having a "great time" at the BBC and feeling "very proud to work for the BBC," the broadcaster often tries to appeal to younger demographics at the expense of successful shows.
Criticism of BBC's Younger Audience Strategy
Bruce cited the example of A Question Of Sport, a long-running sports quiz show that was axed in 2023 after 53 years on air. The BBC attributed the decision to "inflation and funding challenges." Bruce noted that the show underwent a revamp, including replacing host Sue Barker with actor Paddy McGuinness in 2021 and inviting non-sporting celebrities as guests. "You see it at the BBC all the time. They have a successful show, and they say, 'Let's get (younger)…'" Bruce said. "I give you the example of A Question Of Sport. That was a great show, and now I don't think it exists anymore, because they tried to renew it to appeal to younger viewers, and they weren't there."
Bruce's Radio Career and Move to Greatest Hits Radio
Bruce started as a presenter on BBC Radio Scotland in 1977 and became one of the corporation's highest-paid stars, earning £395,000 in his final year. He left Radio 2 in 2023 and joined Greatest Hits Radio. He said he misses former colleagues but many have "retired or left." Bruce added: "I had a great time there, and [was] very, very proud to work for the BBC all those years, but you know, people do retire. It's just that I retired and took up another job."
Scrutiny and BBC Pay List
Bruce said he does not miss the scrutiny faced by BBC presenters, noting that at Greatest Hits Radio "the scrutiny is slightly less than it is at the BBC." He also called the BBC's annual high-pay list "the most annoying thing." Despite his long tenure, Bruce said he rarely listens to Radio 2 now: "I don't avoid it, I just don't bother switching it on."
Reflections on Radio's Longevity
Reflecting on his career, Bruce recalled being told in 1978 that "radio will die" and that television would dominate. "Well, that was 1978 or something. And here we are 50-odd years later, and it's still going strong. And stronger than ever in some cases," he said.
Speaking to the Press Association in 2024, Bruce said he has no immediate plans to retire but is mindful of not overstaying his welcome. "Doing a daily programme is not a massive strain but it does require you to be on peak form," he said. "I don't want to get to a Joe Biden stage. If I feel I'm not doing a job to my own satisfaction, then I probably will retire. At the moment I feel quite happy, but I'm aware of not going on too long. If I start to feel that people have had enough of me, then I'll go."
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
