After an incredible 46-year tenure, legendary Scottish presenter Ken Bruce made the surprising decision to leave BBC Radio 2, the station he had called home for decades. His departure, which occurred over two years ago, marked the end of an era for the mid-morning show he had hosted for more than thirty years.
A New Chapter at Greatest Hits Radio
The 72-year-old broadcaster, who was awarded an MBE for his services to radio, did not retire but instead moved to the commercial station, Greatest Hits Radio. This switch sent ripples through the industry, with many listeners following their favourite host to his new home. Bruce has now broken his silence on his reasons for leaving and his thoughts on the subsequent performance of his former time slot.
In a candid interview with Saga magazine, Bruce was direct when asked if he tunes in to hear Vernon Kay, the presenter who now occupies the 9:30 am to 12:00 pm weekday slot he once made his own. "I always say, 'No'," Bruce revealed. He was quick to clarify that this is not a boycott of the BBC, noting he still listens to Radio 3 and Radio 4 Extra, but because his allegiance now lies with his "new family" at Bauer Radio, the parent company of Greatest Hits Radio.
Addressing the Shift in Listening Figures
The conversation inevitably turned to audience numbers. Since Vernon Kay took the helm, reported listening figures for the Radio 2 mid-morning show have seen a notable decrease, falling from approximately 8.1 million listeners to 6.6 million. Bruce acknowledged this shift, stating, "Am I aware that audience figures for the Radio 2 show have fallen since I left? Yes. Did some follow me over to Greatest Hits Radio? Yes."
However, the veteran DJ was magnanimous, insisting he bears no ill will. "You won't hear me gloating or badmouthing the BBC, though," he said. His focus is firmly on his own success, proudly announcing that his new show's audience has reportedly doubled since he joined the station.
The Real Reason Behind the Move
Bruce, a father of six and grandfather of three, has always maintained that leaving the BBC after 46 years was entirely his own decision and that he was not dismissed. He has now elaborated on the personal catalyst for this major life change.
He confessed to feeling increasingly discontented and frustrated with the lack of change in his life. "I had 46 fantastic years at the BBC, but I was turning into the grumpiest man in the world," Bruce explained. "I was 71, I'd done the same job for a long time and I started to think, 'Is that it? Next stop the scrapheap?'"
This introspection led him to a conclusion shared by many: it was time for a shake-up. "New place and new people, full of enthusiasm for the show," he said, adding with firm resolve, "Retirement any time soon? Not a chance!"
A significant part of Bruce's move was the transfer of the beloved PopMaster quiz, for which he shrewdly owns the rights. He joked about his rare financial acumen in securing the format, which he now hosts on his new show and will even feature on an upcoming Saga Cruise to the Canary Islands.
The strategy of recruiting popular BBC talent appears to be paying off for Greatest Hits Radio. Recent RAJAR listening figures show the station's audience has grown by 13 per cent, from 6.66 million to 7.54 million listeners, a stark contrast to the reported declines at his former home.
