BBC Radio 2 loses 150,000 listeners as Ken Bruce fans desert broadcaster in favour of rival Greatest Hits Radio By Grant Tucker Entertainment Editor Published: 22:34, 23 October 2024 | Updated: 23:04, 23 October 2024 e-mail View comments A proposed Radio 2 spin-off station has been dealt the 'final nail in the coffin', as audience figures for its commercial rivals soar. Weekly listeners for the station between July and September were down by more than 150,000 on the same period last year, as fans flock to rivals featuring former BBC presenters. In February, the BBC unveiled plans for a new spin-off station for 'pop nostalgia' which will focus on the music of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
But its launch was halted by Ofcom over the summer, directing the Corporation to launch a full public interest test. In the Ofcom report, it said: 'The launch of the Radio 2 extension stream could have an adverse impact on competition by reducing listening and revenue.' Greatest Hits Radio has poached three presenters from Radio 2 including Ken Bruce, 73, pictured In 2020 Simon Mayo, 65, joined Greatest Hits Radio after 17 years at the BBC to host his now famous Album Show every Sunday at 1pm, before also returning to daily radio and The Simon Mayo Drivetime Show in March 2021 In February, the BBC unveiled plans for a new spin-off station for 'pop nostalgia' A decision by the BBC on whether it seeks to go ahead with the new digital-only service is expected next month when the Corporation's inte.
