Radio Two

[andy-hughes]

The media has its trolleys in a robble yet again about Radio Two.

This time it's the announcement that Vernon Kaye is taking over Ken Bruce's morning show.

Of course, no-one would ever be a suitable replacement for KB, so Vernon will have to take the hit in listening figures, and see what happens.

It does indicate Radio Two's intention to carry on looking for a 'younger demographic', as they are keen to confirm.

The question is - why?

Why this drive for a 'younger' audience?

They don't have to satisfy advertisers, only their listeners, which they seem hell-bent on upsetting and ignoring.

So has anyone ever offered an explanation about why a subscription-funded Radio station can't let its programmes find their own natural audiences who come to it voluntarily, instead of forcing changes that not only destroy the existing listenership, but singularly fail to replace it with the mythical 'younger' audience, who appear utterly indifferent to what is being shoved at them.

Any ideas?

[Paul22118]

Ken Bruce was being forced to play music he thought was wrong for his audience. So rather than do it against his wishes he jumped off the ship. I never liked Vernon Kay until I made a mistake one morning in my efforts to avoid listening to Zoe Balls incessant and rapid chat, I tuned in to a male voice which happened to be VK standing in for ZB on her breakfast show. He converted me in hose hours that morning and I am not surprised the BBC consider him a suitable replacement.

[goodgoalie]

I felt for Ken Bruce this morning when he had to interview the inarticulate , moronic Stormzy - what the hell was he doing on Radio 2?

[andy-hughes]

I know it's an odd idea, but I wonder if the BBC has ever considered creating radio shows and finding presenters who fit the audience, instead of changing shows and hosts and expecting the audience to fit around them?

Just an idea ...

[goodgoalie]

I wonder if Vernon will be getting the same as KB's reported £385,000 a year? Not bad for 12 and a half hours of broadcasting per week, plus however long it takes to record Tracks of My Years, and Eurovision once a year.

[choux]

Until recent years I enjoyed many R2 programmes. There was a sense of comfort listening to voices I thought of as "friends" playing music I enjoyed strung together by interesting snippets or anecdotes. I cannot think of any such programmes now on R2, sadly. I have to say the same of BBC Local Radio too. Some twit(s) are for ever changing slots and presenters - do they not realise that a single listener may invest a lot of time to break in a new presenter and get to know their foibles and interests, perhaps even engage with them by phone/internet? I tend to listen to just R4/Extra these days. If I want music I will seek it out on YouTube. How sad is that?

[MissTerious2]

It's very sad. I feel the same Choux. But I wish Mr Kyle would be replaced. He's such a mindless idiot!

[MissTerious2]

Sorry Jeremy Vine. Senior moment!

[maggiebee]

Think I'll be listening to the Ken Bruce slot on Greatest Hits Radio (10 am to 1 pm) when he starts in April. Boom radio the rest of the time except Sat when it has to be Radio Scotland for me.

[goodgoalie]

I've never heard Vernon Kaye on the radio, so will give him a fair go. I certainly won't be listening to Greatest Hits - or any radio station that has adverts, no matter who is presenting.

The (very) bad news is that KB's last show is on 3rd March and VK doesn't take over until 'some time in May'. And who will be taking over for the weeks in between? Gary effing Davies.

[drmorgans]

I fear for the BBC. Particular it's cavalier attitude to existing audiences and its push for new listeners, who have different listening habits, streaming, "curated" playlists etc. The BBC is in danger of losing its current audience and not gaining the listeners it seems to be aiming for.

[Barsel]

Is Tony Blackburn still a DJ on the wireless?

[douglas9401]

All things must pass, calm doon.

[MissTerious2]

Yes Barsel. A weekend slot for us oldies.

[calmck]

Barrel 6am to 8am Saturday mornings Radio 2

[calmck]

Barsel sorry that was auto correct!

[MissTerious2]

Barsel, you are showing your age
'Wireless'. Just joking. Now Calm is calling you Barrel, like I did!

[Prudie]

I only really listened to R2 in the car, it was easy music and yes liked the comfort of the old DJs like an old shoe. I completely stopped when Steve Wright left, his afternoon show was often very funny. If I listen to music on the radio now I choose Greatest Hits, I really like Andy Crane's night time slot.
Bu why do we keep having to stamp out tradition, what is wrong with it? There is still so much choice elsewhere, no need to constantly mess with things. Look at the Archers while we're talking radio - we have male prostitution and bisexual relationships now. I just don't know who they are trying to impress - apart from people who probably don't even listen to the Archers.

[Barsel]

So Tony Blackburn has managed to keep his job and he is now 80yrs old.
Ken Bruce is 72 yrs old.
I don't mind what you call me, it's not like it's my real name.
Actually, I do look more like a barrel than a barsel.

[Barsel]

calmck //6am to 8am Saturday mornings//
That will be the reason I've never heard him, I'm still in the land of nod at that time. :-)

[Paul22118]

Vernon Kaye has a two year contract for this show, but the BBC are only paying him a quarter of a million a year. Sad, but accurate.