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Who will be replacing Ken Bruce on Radio 2
Image source, BBC/Comic Relief Image caption, Vernon Kay has filled in for the likes of Zoe Ball, Steve Wright, Rylan Clark and Dermot O’Leary on Radio 2 Vernon Kay will replace presenter Ken Bruce on his weekday mid-morning slot on Radio 2, the BBC has confirmed.
- Bruce announced on air in January that he would be leaving the station after 31 years in the role.
- Vernon is a lovely bloke and I wish him all the best,” Bruce told BBC News, adding that he “wouldn’t dare give anyone else tips about broadcasting”.
- Ay, who is known for presenting ITV’s All Star Family Fortunes, said taking over the show was “a dream come true”.
“And what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce,” he added in a statement. “I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone.” Bruce, who has worked for the BBC for 46 years, announced on Twitter that he would be presenting his final show on 3 March.
- He tweeted on Friday: “I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier.
- Let’s enjoy the week ahead!” Kay has previously had his own shows on Radio 1 and Radio X, and currently presents Radio 2’s Dance Sounds of the 90s – with his “Back to Bolton Cheesy Bangers”.
The 48-year-old, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, will start his new show in May. DJ Gary Davies will fill the gap between Bruce’s departure and Kay’s first show. The mid-morning show, famous for its daily Popmaster quiz, is Britain’s most listened to radio programme and currently has more than 8.5 million weekly listeners, according to data from industry body Rajar.
- Bruce will take the Popmaster format with him when he moves to the rival commercial station, Greatest Hits Radio.
- His departure comes shortly after Steve Wright left Radio 2, ending a 23-year stint as the station’s afternoon host.
- Wright stressed he was not retiring, and would keep his Sunday morning show.
Other popular presenters who have also left the station in the past year include Paul O’Grady and Vanessa Feltz, Wright was replaced by Scott Mills, while O’Grady’s slot is now hosted by Rob Beckett. Weather presenter Owain Wyn Evans took over from Feltz to host the early breakfast show from Cardiff.
Is Vernon Kay taking over from Ken Bruce on Radio 2?
The BBC confirmed that Vernon Kay starts on Radio 2 on Monday, May 15. The 49-year-old replacement presenter will broadcast on the channel on weekdays between 9.30am to 12 noon. English radio and TV presenter Vernon Kay has replaced the veteran Scottish broadcaster Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2.
How much does Ken Bruce get paid?
BBC stars’ pay 2022-23 –
Gary Lineker: £1.350 – £1.354m Zoe Ball: £980,000 – £985,000 Alan Shearer: £445,000 – £450,000 Huw Edwards: £435,000 – £440,000 Stephen Nolan: £400,000 – £405,000 Fiona Bruce: £395,000 – £400,000 Greg James: £395,000 – £400,000 Ken Bruce: £390,000 – £395,000 Lauren Laverne: £390,000 – £395,000 Sophie Raworth: £365,000 – £370,000
Ken Bruce, who will disappear from next year’s list after moving to commercial rival Greatest Hits Radio, saw his pay increase from £370,000 to £395,000 for his Radio 2 and Eurovision work as well as a PopMaster special. Huw Edwards is the highest-earning BBC News presenter and moves into the top five of the pay chart.
What radio station is Ken Bruce going to when he leaves Radio 2?
Media caption, Listen: Ken Bruce – “I have loved being here with you.” DJ Ken Bruce paid tribute to his listeners as he signed off from BBC Radio 2 after more than three decades of hosting the mid-morning show. The Scottish presenter, 72, is leaving the network to join commercial station Greatest Hits Radio.
- Bruce closed Friday’s programme by playing Golden Slumbers by The Beatles.
- Quoting the song, 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.” Bruce hosted Radio 2’s weekday mid-morning programme for more than three decades, and had been on BBC radio in some form for 46 years.
He said: “Thank you to everybody who has contributed in any small way to this programme, particularly the listeners. “I really couldn’t do it without the listeners, who contribute and complete the dialogue. We talk to each other on a daily basis, and I hope sometime in the future we may be able to continue doing that.” After receiving well wishes throughout the programme, Bruce joked: “Thanks to all who sent any kind of messages of congratulations – or good riddance.” He will be replaced by Vernon Kay in May, with Gary Davies presenting the 09:30-12:00 programme in the interim.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Bruce posed for photographs outside Radio 2 headquarters Wogan House In his final message, Bruce also thanked the BBC, commenting: “I’ve been here for a long time, and apart from the occasional vagary, it is still the finest broadcasting organisation in the world.” His workmates paid tribute to the long-serving presenter, with Jeremy Vine describing him as “the most intelligent, generous and talented colleague” and “the presenter we all want to be like”.
Travel reporter Richie Anderson said he was the “kindest, warmest, friendliest person,” telling him: “Working with you has been a joy.” This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Friday’s programme also included the last Radio 2 edition of his hugely popular quiz Popmaster, which Bruce is taking with him to his new station. The Glaswegian presenter left his Radio 2 show earlier than anticipated, after the BBC asked him not to complete his contract, a decision he said he was disappointed by.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “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, it seems a shame.” Bruce was originally due to complete his Radio 2 contract on 24 March, but tweeted last week that the BBC had asked him to host the last edition of his show on Friday instead.
Image caption, Bruce has been a fixture on Radio 2 since the mid-1980s The BBC said: “Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March. Returning to Wogan House 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.” The presenter confirmed it was his own decision to leave the station, and he was not removed by bosses.
- I’ve gone at my own accord, I wanted to go at this time,” Bruce told BBC News.
- I understand the BBC were in the process of preparing an offer for me to continue.
But, you know, I’d made my decision before that.” Bruce’s mid-morning show has been the most popular radio programme in the UK since 2019, having overtaken the breakfast show, which lost listeners after Chris Evans’s departure. Asked about walking away from such a successful show, Bruce replied: “It’s become the British the biggest programme on British radio, and I don’t want to preside over any decline.
I want to walk away while it’s the top thing.” Bruce announced his departure from Radio 2 in January, describing his time at the station as “tremendously happy” but adding it was “time for a change”. Image source, Greatest Hits Radio Image caption, Bruce has said his new show would include “all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s” Former Radio 2 DJ Simon Mayo said Bruce “might have been out the door sooner” than Friday if he had been leaving a commercial station.
“I think what’s surprising is that it lingered as long as it did,” he told Roger Bolton’s Beeb Watch. “If you’re on social media, the Greatest Hits Radio Twitter icon is Ken Bruce. Ken is an advert for Greatest Hits Radio now so I can understand why they might have thought, we need to hasten these things.
Why is Radio 2 changing?
In recent months there has been significant change at BBC Radio 2. There have been discussions about ageism, pay challenges and underlying issues forcing people and presenters out through. There have even been ‘celebrations’ of the station losing listeners because of the changes.
Will Radio 2 replace PopMaster?
BBC Radio 2 launches brand new quiz show to replace PopMaster – The BBC also shared that each contestant will have a joker to play on one question which will earn them double points if answered correctly, and the player with the most points wins a smart speaker.
Has Radio 2 lost listeners since Ken Bruce left
Following the recruitment of Radio 2’s Ken Bruce to Greatest Hits Radio, the hugely popular broadcaster has now inspired a brand extension. Bauer Media Audio has launched Ken Bruce’s Secret 60s. And to maximise the publicity for the announcement, it’s been unveiled on the day that RAJAR issued the first results for Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio following his surprise move from BBC Radio 2 earlier this year.
In his first RAJAR quarter (Q2 2023) for radio listening, Ken Bruce has pulled in three million listeners to his Greatest Hits Radio show, an increase of 93% year-on-year for that time slot. Overall, the Greatest Hits Radio Network now reaches 5.93m listeners every week – its highest ever and up 47.6% from last year.
Greatest Hits Radio London saw an increased reach of 47.7% year on year to a record 1.14m. Ken Bruce said: “I’ve always said that it’s not really about the numbers and it’s not, for me at least, but I’m delighted to hear today’s news for the team here at my new home, Greatest Hits Radio,
- My first four months have flown by and I’ve loved every minute of it – and there’s much more to come.
- We’ve got the launch of my new radio station, Ken Bruce’s Secret 60s, tomorrow and other exciting projects towards the end of the year – they’re certainly keeping me busy! So thank you for listening, playing along to PopMaster and taking the time to write, email and message in to the show.
It wouldn’t be what it is without its listeners so your company is always much appreciated.” Ben Cooper, chief content & music officer, Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “The arrival of Ken Bruce and PopMaster means Greatest Hits Radio now has nearly six million listeners – with success shared across the station as Simon Mayo’s Drivetime is now the UK’s biggest commercial drivetime show with 2.3m listeners.
Along with big gains for Absolute Radio’s Dave Berry at Breakfast, who has increased his audience to a record 2.3m, Bauer Media Audio has achieved incredible success this RAJAR, posting its fourth increase of record-breaking audiences in a row.” Ken Bruce’s Secret 60s will only be available to Greatest Hits Radio premium subscribers.
As a taster, Bruce’s regular Greatest Hits Radio show will be shaking up its usual playlist and adding some 1960s songs tomorrow (August 4) as he kicks off a 60s Summer Weekend on the network. Elsewhere, Bauer Media Audio stations reported strong results in Q2.
- Absolute was up 6.1% year-on-year to 2.36m (though down on the quarter); Hits Radio Network was up 5% year-on-year to 6.56m; and Magic was up 12.1% to 3.03m.
- Absolute Radio Country soared by 30.7% year-on-year to 358,000, though Scala was down 16.4% to 245,000.
- Iss and Kiss Fresh were stable (2.49m and 298,000, respectively), while Kisstory was up 20.6% to 2.54m – making it the biggest commercial digital network.
I’ve always said that it’s not really about the numbers but I’m delighted to hear today’s news for the team here at my new home Ken Bruce Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “What a time to join the Bauer UK team. It’s incredible to see such strong performances across the board, not only for Bauer and each of its networks but commercial radio overall.
Radio is thriving, delivering excellent value and return on investment, while growth in digital listening presents even more opportunities for the future there’s never been a better time to partner with us.” BBC Radio While the Ken Bruce result may put some pressure on BBC Radio 2, his replacement Vernon Kay actually started six weeks later so he’s yet to have a full quarter (and it remains to be seen if his ratings are made public for Q3 later this year).
Under the previous RAJAR measurement system, Bruce pulled in audiences of around 8.5m and could claim to be the nation’s most popular broadcaster. The Guardian today reported that Kay has an audience of 6.9m in the same time slot. Following the departure of Bruce, Radio 2 was down 7.4% year-on-year to 13.46m.
- While it remains comfortably the most popular radio station in the country, that’s a loss of 1.074m listeners compared to a year ago.
- The loss of Bruce and surrounding media coverage appears to have negatively impacted the network, with exactly one million listeners switching off since the beginning of April to the end of June.
Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show on Radio 2 was down to 6.72m, a loss of more than half a million (549,000 in a year; 533,000 on the quarter). A difficult quarter, then. But Radio 2 does have a live extravaganza to look forward to in Q3 in the form of Radio 2 In The Park featuring Kylie Minogue and Tears For Fears,
Radio 2 remains the UK’s most popular radio station with 13.5m loyal listeners Helen Thomas Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “Radio 2 remains the UK’s most popular radio station with 13.5m loyal listeners who tune in each week to the best music from the past seven decades, presented by some of the country’s most loved presenters.
Congratulations to the brilliant Zoe Ball who continues to host the most listened to Breakfast Show in the country.” There was better news in the RAJAR numbers for BBC Radio 1, with ratings up 2.9% year-on-year to 7.69m (and up 1.6% on the prior quarter).
- Aled Haydn Jones, head of BBC Radio 1, said: “Radio 1 adding well over half a million listeners in a year to the station is a fantastic moment, as we are laser-focused on young audiences across radio, mobile and socials.
- Along with the success of Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee this year, Greg and the Breakfast Team continue to be the Number 1 youth show in the UK.” BBC 1Xtra continues to grow in terms of the year-on-year comparison (up 1.7% to 762,000) but it was down 30,000 on the quarter.
Asian Network was up 6.8% to 505,000. Meanwhile, Music Week Award winners 6 Music were down 6.4% year-on-year to 2.67m (still comfortably the No.1 digital station) but only showing slight decline compared to the prior quarter. Schedule changes in June, including evening show New Music Fix Daily, are not represented in the latest RAJAR figures.
- Global There was good news for Capital Dance, which passed a million listeners for the first time.
- The station was up 32.3% year-on-year to 1.04m.
- Heart Network increased by 9.7% year-on-year – it now stands at 8.52m (although that was down on the prior quarter).
- Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston & Amanda Holden remains the biggest commercial radio show in the UK and commercial breakfast show with 3.9m weekly listeners.
Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp has 2.5m listeners, adding 50,000 since the prior quarter. Overall, Capital Network was up 6.1% to 6.01m. Capital XTRA was up 5.9% year-on-year to 1.45m, with Capital XTRA Breakfast with Robert Bruce and Shayna Marie on 558,000 listeners.
- Capital XTRA Reloaded reached a new high of 450,000 (up 10.6% year-on-year).
- Meanwhile, new station Capital Chill opened its RAJAR account with 178,000 listeners.
- Radio X was up 4.1% year-on-year to 1.97m, with breakfast presenter Chris Moyles up 33,000 to 1.12m.
- Brand new station Radio X Classic Rock launched with 275,000 weekly listeners.
James Rea, Global’s director of broadcasting & content, said: “I’m delighted that we have delivered another very strong set of results for Global – it’s fantastic to see huge increases for Heart and Capital across the year, which is testament to our talented teams.
- The massive growth in listening hours shows that we have a highly-engaged, loyal audience who love our brands.
- I’d like to thank every single listener and everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.” Ashley Tabor-King, Global’s founder & executive president, said:? “Commercial radio is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and it’s therefore fitting that commercial radio has its highest ever listening figures today, underlining the strength and resilience of the sector, and the medium.
It’s a phenomenal achievement and brilliant news for listeners, advertisers and the thousands of extraordinarily talented people working in the magnificent UK radio industry today.” Meanwhile, another former Radio 2 presenter, Chris Evans, now has 863,000 listeners on Virgin Radio, unchanged from a year ago but down almost 40,000 on the prior quarter.
Who is replacing Steve Wright?
Who has replaced Steve Wright on Radio 2? – Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills has taken over from Steve Wright on Radio 2. Mills’ first show on the station launched on Monday 31 October 2022. He presented his final Radio 1 show on Thursday 25 September, after he and his co-star Chris Stark announced their plans to leave Radio 1 in July.
- In an interview with The Sun, Mills admitted he was nervous about taking over from Wright.
- He said: “It is a big act to follow.
- I’ve been in denial for the past two months, but now I’ve done my last charts show and have four more shows left on Radio 1.
- It’s all becoming real and I’m sure I’ll cry.
- I don’t know what’s planned for my last day, I prefer it that way.
“I’ve spent a quarter of my life, if I’m lucky, on Radio 1 and have a massive step ahead but I’m excited.” Scott Mills is being replaced on BBC Radio 1 by Dean McCullough and Vicky Hawkesworth.
Is Vernon Kay replacing Gary Davies?
Friday marked the true end on an era on BBC Radio 2, when Ken Bruce signed off from his mid-morning weekday show for the final time, after 31 years in the chair. Bruce will host a new daily show for Bauer’s station Greatest Hits Radio, taking his iconic PopMaster game with him.
Why has the BBC got rid of Ken Bruce
Why did Ken Bruce leave BBC Radio 2 for Greatest Hits? Published: 09:49 BST, 3 April 2023 | Updated: 10:22 BST, 3 April 2023
- It’s the start of a new era for Ken Bruce as his new radio show on Greatest Hits begins on Monday.
- The veteran broadcaster, 72, is best known for presenting his mid-morning Radio 2 show from 1986 to 1990 and again from 1992 to 2023.
- Ken announced in January that he would be leaving the BBC after 31 years to join rival commercial station Greatest Hits Radio.
- However, after bosses demanded he step down from his role 17 days early, with Gary Davies taking over his slot until permanent replacement joins in May.
- As Ken settles in to hosting a new show on a new station, MailOnline takes a look at why the star decided to leave the BBC for Greatest Hits.
Change: It’s the start of a new era for Ken Bruce as his new radio show on Greatest Hits begins on Monday End of an era: Ken announced in January that he would be leaving the BBC after 31 years to join rival commercial station Greatest Hits Radio
- Why did Ken leave BBC Radio 2?
- Ken told his fans that after decades with the BBC, he wanted to continue his career ‘in a slightly different way in the next few years’.
- However, the presenter claimed the national broadcaster asked him to leave Radio 2 before the end of his contract.
In a tweet, Ken said: ‘I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let’s enjoy the week ahead!’ He later told the Daily Mail that he ‘wasn’t given any real reason that I understood’ by the BBC for the decision to move his final programme.
However, sources told The Sun: ‘The BBC believe that every second he is on air is just free advertising for his new show on Greatest Hits Radio. ‘They became frustrated by the rival station launching a marketing campaign for his show. It leaves a sour taste.’ In response to Bruce’s comments, a Radio 2 spokesman said: ‘Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March.
Decision: Ken told his fans that after decades with the BBC, he wanted to continue his career ‘in a slightly different way in the next few years’ ‘Returning to Wogan House 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.’ When asked how he was feeling about the move from a workplace after more than 40 years, Ken said: ‘Well, I’ve got lots of friends still working at the BBC and who worked at the BBC for a long time, and still I’m very, very warm towards the BBC.
- ‘I think it’s a great organisation.
It was just time for me to leave and now, it’s been quite a few weeks and really, I’m looking forward to doing a month or two, maybe a year or two, maybe a decade or two, on Greatest Hits Radio.’ What is Ken’s new show? His new show airs from 10am to 1pm and will feature PopMaster, which Bruce has brought over from the BBC due to him trademarking the long-standing segment, and hit songs from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
- The popular radio quiz is still airing at the same time from 10.30pm to 10.50pm.
- When asked if there are adjustments he has to make since moving to Bauer, Bruce said: ‘I’m struggling to work my day out.
- ‘I think I’m going to be going to bed an hour later because I just have to squeeze everything into the remaining hours of the day.
Dispute: However, the presenter claimed the national broadcaster asked him to leave Radio 2 before the end of his contract ‘Once I get my body clock, right. I think I’ll be all right, but I’m really enjoying having a half-hour extra in bed every morning.’ The radio DJ added that he will be ‘looking for lunch’ at 12.30pm when he is on-air and joked there will be a ‘problem with the microphones’ during this time.
- He also said his new radio show after leaving the BBC will be ‘much the same’ and he is not looking to introduce ‘massive great bells and whistles stuff’ into the format.
- Bruce added: ‘It’s just going to be nice things to keep people engaged, keep people listening, and taking part in the show, it’ll just be much the same as it was before just in a different place.’ On what makes radio broadcasting special.
It’s the anonymity, the ability to just be one part of yourself and communicate only in one way with someone who’s just listening to you, it’s a very direct communication. That’s the thing that appeals most. On the secret to his popularity. If I knew that, I would’ve done it a lot earlier than this.
- I don’t think you can ever analyse why something is popular.
- It becomes popular without you noticing or trying, and the more you try the less it will happen.
- A good relationship between broadcaster and listener is just something that grows and develops naturally.
- On what he finds most difficult.
- Getting up in the morning.
Once I’m up and heading to work I’m fine. I’m on air at 9.30, finish at 10 and I’ve often said I feel better at the end of a programme than I did at the beginning. I’m sorry that it’s finished. On how he’ll end the show. It’ll just be a quick goodbye, I will not be tugging at heartstrings, mainly because I don’t want to tug at my own.
- I’ll just be saying that’s the end of this particular era of my life, but there’ll be a continuation.
- I love daily broadcasting, it’s what I’ve done for years and years.
- I’ve been on BBC radio five days a week since 1977 so it’s going to be different, it’s going to change me a bit but I still want to be on the air every day.
On whether he’ll be emotional. No, I’ll be looking at the clock thinking get out on timemaybe a touch, but I’m a hard bitten old Scot. On whether he knows what he’ll say. I don’t, it will come to me at the time, I might jot a note or two but I don’t like to write anything in sentences I just like to write a couple of ideas and I’ll say what comes to mind in the moment.
- On if he knows what his last song will be.
- I do now but I’m not going to reveal that until the last moment.
- On his departure.
- It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early.
- Gardening leave is a known concept in broadcasting and many other areas but for the sake of 17 days which was all that was remaining it seems a shame but you just adapt your timetable.
Instead of three weeks, it’s one week, that’s been fine. My belief is when I’m given a contract I work to it and complete it. Over the last 46 years I haven’t had very much time off ever, I’ve attempted to turn up whenever I’m required to turn up so my natural feeling as a broadcaster is if I’ve got 17 days to do, I want to do them.
On his best moment. Talking to you, Gary. I can die happy now. I can’t actually pick out a moment. I’ve loved everything I love every day, just a normal day. Meeting special people, someone like James Taylor or Carole King when they came into the studio. These were more nerve-wracking than everything so I didn’t enjoy them in the moment because I was thinking I must get this right and not say something stupid to James Taylor, for goodness sake.
Nut I love just doing a normal daily programme, trying to make myself laugh and other people. : Why did Ken Bruce leave BBC Radio 2 for Greatest Hits?
What happened to Gary Davies
Gary Davies – Wikipedia British radio DJ For the British boxer, see, For people with a similar name, see or
This needs additional for, Please help by adding, about living persons that is unsourced or must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially, Find sources: – · · · · ( June 2021 ) ( ) |
Gary Davies Born ( 1957-12-13 ) 13 December 1957 (age 65), England NationalityBritishYears active1979–presentEmployerKnown forRadio and TV presenterTelevision Spouse Lisa Tchenguiz ( m.1990; div.2001) Gary Davies (born 13 December 1957) is a British,
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Who are the highest paid BBC presenters?
The BBC has published its annual report including details of the highest paid stars, as bosses deal with the fallout from allegations made against a presenter. Gary Lineker is once again the broadcaster’s biggest earner, taking home between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999 in 2022-23 – the same amount as the previous year – for his work on Match Of The Day, Sports Personality Of The Year, the World Cup and FA Cup.
- Zoe Ball, who presents Radio 2’s breakfast show, is second on the BBC list, earning between £980,000 and £984,999 for her work on the programme, plus a Terry Wogan tribute.
- Like Lineker, her salary has not changed in the last 12 months.
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In the top 10, Edwards and Laverne, along with former Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce and newsreader Sophie Raworth, saw increases in their pay from the previous year – although salaries for many have remained the same or dipped slightly amid ongoing scrutiny of the BBC over the amounts earned by its top talent.
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- Feltz, who announced in July last year that she was leaving her shows on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio London, was previously in the salary bracket of £400,000 – £404,999.
- Mills left his BBC Radio 1 show after 24 years in August, but continues to present in the afternoon slot on BBC Radio 2.
- Lineker first topped the list in 2017-18, taking a voluntary pay cut of £10,000 in 2020 after pressure from female staff for greater pay parity.
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- It remains a period of change, financial pressures and great competition in the media market.
Our task is not always easy and we have to make some difficult choices. “But these are challenges we must embrace as we know that the BBC is needed now more than ever, in an age of polarisation and increasing disinformation.”
Who is highest paid employee on BBC?
Image caption, Gary Lineker is the top earner for the sixth year running The BBC has published the salaries of its highest-paid stars as part of its annual report. Gary Lineker, who presents Match of the Day and the BBC’s World Cup coverage, remains top of the list, earning £1.35m.
- Radio 2 breakfast host Zoe Ball is in second place, having earned £980k last year.
- Some famous BBC faces like Graham Norton and Claudia Winkleman don’t make the list as their shows are produced by companies like BBC studios, which are run externally to the BBC.
- The threshold for publishing earnings has also been adjusted in line with inflation this year from £150,000 to £178,000.
Image caption, Zoe Ball with Dolly Parton With those caveats in mind, here are the presenters who earned above £178,000 last year, according to the BBC’s accounts. The ▼, ▲ and ➤ icons show whether their salary has moved up, down or remained the same.
Who are the highest paid employees at the BBC
The top paid BBC presenters have been confirmed in the latest annual report from the broadcaster. The figures have been published on Tuesday July 11. The BBC’s highest paid employee remains Gary Lineker. His salary is followed by Zoe Ball, followed by Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, and newsreader Huw Edwards.
MOTD host Lineker earns over £1m, while BBC Radio 2 star Ball is on between £980k and £985k. Shearer and newsreader Huw Edwards are on around £445 and £435k respectively. It represents a pay cut for Shearer, but a pay rise for Welsh star Edwards. Stephen Nolan completes the top five, at £400k. Question Time star Fiona Bruce is next, joint with BBC radio star Greg James, and ahead of Ken Bruce.
The top ten is rounded off by Lauren Laverne, and Sophie Raworth. READ MORE Kate Garraway fans say ‘I cannot believe that’ and rush to send her ‘good luck’ Here is a full list of BBC on-air salaries above £178,000 for 2022/23, as published in the corporation’s annual report.
Why has the BBC got rid of Ken Bruce?
Why did Ken Bruce leave BBC Radio 2 for Greatest Hits? Published: 09:49 BST, 3 April 2023 | Updated: 10:22 BST, 3 April 2023
- It’s the start of a new era for Ken Bruce as his new radio show on Greatest Hits begins on Monday.
- The veteran broadcaster, 72, is best known for presenting his mid-morning Radio 2 show from 1986 to 1990 and again from 1992 to 2023.
- Ken announced in January that he would be leaving the BBC after 31 years to join rival commercial station Greatest Hits Radio.
- However, after bosses demanded he step down from his role 17 days early, with Gary Davies taking over his slot until permanent replacement joins in May.
- As Ken settles in to hosting a new show on a new station, MailOnline takes a look at why the star decided to leave the BBC for Greatest Hits.
Change: It’s the start of a new era for Ken Bruce as his new radio show on Greatest Hits begins on Monday End of an era: Ken announced in January that he would be leaving the BBC after 31 years to join rival commercial station Greatest Hits Radio
- Why did Ken leave BBC Radio 2?
- Ken told his fans that after decades with the BBC, he wanted to continue his career ‘in a slightly different way in the next few years’.
- However, the presenter claimed the national broadcaster asked him to leave Radio 2 before the end of his contract.
In a tweet, Ken said: ‘I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let’s enjoy the week ahead!’ He later told the Daily Mail that he ‘wasn’t given any real reason that I understood’ by the BBC for the decision to move his final programme.
- However, sources told The Sun: ‘The BBC believe that every second he is on air is just free advertising for his new show on Greatest Hits Radio.
- ‘They became frustrated by the rival station launching a marketing campaign for his show.
- It leaves a sour taste.’ In response to Bruce’s comments, a Radio 2 spokesman said: ‘Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March.
Decision: Ken told his fans that after decades with the BBC, he wanted to continue his career ‘in a slightly different way in the next few years’ ‘Returning to Wogan House 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.’ When asked how he was feeling about the move from a workplace after more than 40 years, Ken said: ‘Well, I’ve got lots of friends still working at the BBC and who worked at the BBC for a long time, and still I’m very, very warm towards the BBC. ‘I think it’s a great organisation.
It was just time for me to leave and now, it’s been quite a few weeks and really, I’m looking forward to doing a month or two, maybe a year or two, maybe a decade or two, on Greatest Hits Radio.’ What is Ken’s new show? His new show airs from 10am to 1pm and will feature PopMaster, which Bruce has brought over from the BBC due to him trademarking the long-standing segment, and hit songs from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
The popular radio quiz is still airing at the same time from 10.30pm to 10.50pm. When asked if there are adjustments he has to make since moving to Bauer, Bruce said: ‘I’m struggling to work my day out. ‘I think I’m going to be going to bed an hour later because I just have to squeeze everything into the remaining hours of the day.
Dispute: However, the presenter claimed the national broadcaster asked him to leave Radio 2 before the end of his contract ‘Once I get my body clock, right. I think I’ll be all right, but I’m really enjoying having a half-hour extra in bed every morning.’ The radio DJ added that he will be ‘looking for lunch’ at 12.30pm when he is on-air and joked there will be a ‘problem with the microphones’ during this time.
- He also said his new radio show after leaving the BBC will be ‘much the same’ and he is not looking to introduce ‘massive great bells and whistles stuff’ into the format.
- Bruce added: ‘It’s just going to be nice things to keep people engaged, keep people listening, and taking part in the show, it’ll just be much the same as it was before just in a different place.’ On what makes radio broadcasting special.
It’s the anonymity, the ability to just be one part of yourself and communicate only in one way with someone who’s just listening to you, it’s a very direct communication. That’s the thing that appeals most. On the secret to his popularity. If I knew that, I would’ve done it a lot earlier than this.
I don’t think you can ever analyse why something is popular. It becomes popular without you noticing or trying, and the more you try the less it will happen. A good relationship between broadcaster and listener is just something that grows and develops naturally. On what he finds most difficult. Getting up in the morning.
Once I’m up and heading to work I’m fine. I’m on air at 9.30, finish at 10 and I’ve often said I feel better at the end of a programme than I did at the beginning. I’m sorry that it’s finished. On how he’ll end the show. It’ll just be a quick goodbye, I will not be tugging at heartstrings, mainly because I don’t want to tug at my own.
I’ll just be saying that’s the end of this particular era of my life, but there’ll be a continuation. I love daily broadcasting, it’s what I’ve done for years and years. I’ve been on BBC radio five days a week since 1977 so it’s going to be different, it’s going to change me a bit but I still want to be on the air every day.
On whether he’ll be emotional. No, I’ll be looking at the clock thinking get out on timemaybe a touch, but I’m a hard bitten old Scot. On whether he knows what he’ll say. I don’t, it will come to me at the time, I might jot a note or two but I don’t like to write anything in sentences I just like to write a couple of ideas and I’ll say what comes to mind in the moment.
On if he knows what his last song will be. I do now but I’m not going to reveal that until the last moment. On his departure. It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early. Gardening leave is a known concept in broadcasting and many other areas but for the sake of 17 days which was all that was remaining it seems a shame but you just adapt your timetable.
Instead of three weeks, it’s one week, that’s been fine. My belief is when I’m given a contract I work to it and complete it. Over the last 46 years I haven’t had very much time off ever, I’ve attempted to turn up whenever I’m required to turn up so my natural feeling as a broadcaster is if I’ve got 17 days to do, I want to do them.
- On his best moment.
- Talking to you, Gary.
- I can die happy now.
- I can’t actually pick out a moment.
- I’ve loved everything I love every day, just a normal day.
- Meeting special people, someone like James Taylor or Carole King when they came into the studio.
- These were more nerve-wracking than everything so I didn’t enjoy them in the moment because I was thinking I must get this right and not say something stupid to James Taylor, for goodness sake.
Nut I love just doing a normal daily programme, trying to make myself laugh and other people. : Why did Ken Bruce leave BBC Radio 2 for Greatest Hits?
Who is replacing Steve Wright
Who has replaced Steve Wright on Radio 2? – Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills has taken over from Steve Wright on Radio 2. Mills’ first show on the station launched on Monday 31 October 2022. He presented his final Radio 1 show on Thursday 25 September, after he and his co-star Chris Stark announced their plans to leave Radio 1 in July.
In an interview with The Sun, Mills admitted he was nervous about taking over from Wright. He said: “It is a big act to follow. I’ve been in denial for the past two months, but now I’ve done my last charts show and have four more shows left on Radio 1. It’s all becoming real and I’m sure I’ll cry. I don’t know what’s planned for my last day, I prefer it that way.
“I’ve spent a quarter of my life, if I’m lucky, on Radio 1 and have a massive step ahead but I’m excited.” Scott Mills is being replaced on BBC Radio 1 by Dean McCullough and Vicky Hawkesworth.
What will happen to PopMaster?
Ken Bruce, the popular Scottish broadcaster, has revealed that the BBC turned down the opportunity to jointly trademark his iconic PopMaster music radio quiz, prompting him to acquire the rights himself. Having hosted the segment on BBC Radio 2 for over two decades, Bruce recently made the move to Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio, taking the format along with him.
PopMaster has now been transformed into a Channel 4 television show. The program features two contestants answering ten questions about popular music from the 1950s to the present day, and according to Bruce, its TV debut is “going quite nicely.” During an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB), co-host Martin Lewis asked the 72-year-old broadcaster how he managed to secure the rights to PopMaster.
Bruce explained: “It’s a long story. I thought about protecting the name PopMaster a few years ago. I asked somebody at the BBC if they wanted to come in on it, and they said, ‘nah,’ so I just trademarked it myself, so it became mine and my colleagues’.” The beloved quiz segment has been adapted into a six-part series for More4, with the premiere episode airing on Monday evening.
- When questioned about his transition away from the “warm bosom of Radio 2,” Bruce responded: “I’ve successfully dragged myself away from it, I think.
- I’m very, very happy at Greatest Hits Radio.
- It’s a lovely station, and I’m playing terrific music, so it’s a good thing for me to do – move on and try something new.” Bruce also opened up about being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his contributions to radio, autism awareness, and charity.
He expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating: “It’s a huge honor, and unexpected because I’ve just been getting on with what I do, really.” He further emphasized the importance of raising awareness about autism, as his own son is on the autism spectrum, and hoped that the recognition would bring attention to those who need it.
- Sharing his thoughts on autism, Bruce stressed the significance of recognising the individuality of each person on the spectrum.
- During his appearance on GMB, he highlighted the need for improved provisions in the education system, ranging from the youngest to those in further education.
- Bruce believes that expanding and enhancing support for individuals on the spectrum would lead to a happier and improved society.
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Where is Mark Goodier going
Mark Goodier British radio disc jockey (born 1961) Mark Goodier Goodier in July 2011 Born ( 1961-06-09 ) 9 June 1961 (age 62), (now Harare, ) NationalityBritishEducationOccupation(s)Voice artistDisc jockeyYears active1971–presentKnown for’s (1990–1992, 1995–2002) The Evening Session (1990–1993) (1988–1991, 1994-1996) (UK TV advert)Spouse Jackie Goodier ( m.1985) Children3 Mark Goodier (born 9 June 1961) is a British best known for his time on between 1987 and 2002.
He had two spells presenting the station’s, from 1990 to 1992 and from 1995 until 2002. He also had a stint on during 1993. He currently presents the weekend mid-morning show between 10am and 1pm on, Goodier has also presented shows on,, and, and appeared on BBC television as a recurring presenter of between 1988 and 1996.
On 17 January 2023, Goodier announced that he will be replaced on weekday mornings by, who joined the station from BBC Radio 2. Bruce announced his departure from Radio 2 on the same day. Goodier moved to weekend mornings in April, replacing who left the station.