Veteran Broadcaster Reflects on Radio 2's Ratings Slump
BBC Radio 2 has experienced a significant drop in its listener numbers, losing around one million weekly listeners since the departure of veteran presenter Ken Bruce. Bruce, who hosted the popular mid-morning show for more than three decades, left the station in March 2023.
The Numbers Behind the Audience Shift
Official reports reveal a stark change in the station's performance. The weekday morning audience on Radio 2 fell from a weekly average of 8.1 million to 6.6 million by October 2025. This decline followed Bruce's high-profile move to rival station Greatest Hits Radio.
Bruce himself has acknowledged the audience shift. He confirmed that a substantial number of his loyal listeners followed him to his new home. His show on Greatest Hits Radio has seen its audience double since the move, indicating a direct transfer of listenership.
Radio 2's Enduring Dominance
Despite this substantial loss, BBC Radio 2 has managed to retain its position as the UK's most popular radio station. Furthermore, the programme that succeeded Bruce, now hosted by Vernon Kay, holds a notable title. Kay's mid-morning show is currently the most-listened-to programme on UK radio, proving the channel's continued resilience in the competitive market.
