Vernon Kay uses CDs to keep BBC Radio 2 show going after technical issue

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Admin

Presenter forced to improvise after track cuts out because of computer system failure

“Please don’t stop the music,” Rihanna once sang. On Thursday, producers at BBC Radio 2 scrambled to oblige as Vernon Kay was forced to use CDs to play music on the station after its digital system failed.

The radio presenter, 50, was playing Won’t Get Fooled Again by The Who towards the end of his show when the issue occurred. At about 11.30am, the track cut out and he came back on air laughing. He said: “This has never happened to me, where the computer system has just failed.”

Steve Wright, BBC Radio presenter, dies aged 69

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Admin

Broadcaster worked at BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than 40 years, garnering millions of devoted listeners
• Tribute: so much more than a DJ

Tributes have been paid to the DJ Steve Wright, for decades the voice of the BBC on afternoon radio, who has died at the age of 69.

He joined the broadcaster in the 1980s and went on to host shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2. The cause of death has not been disclosed. A statement shared with BBC News by Wright’s family on Tuesday said: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

BBC Radio 2 show loses 1.3m listeners after Vernon Kay replaces Ken Bruce

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Admin

Mid-morning programme now heard by 6.9m people as opposed to 8.2m who tuned in before veteran’s departure in March

Vernon Kay’s BBC Radio 2 show has lost 1.3 million listeners since he took over from the presenter Ken Bruce, the latest figures show.

Bruce, 72, worked at the station for 31 years before leaving in March and joining Greatest Hits Radio (GHR) the following month. Kay, 49, took over the station’s mid-morning slot in May.

Radio 4 flagship Today loses 800,000 listeners in a year to podcasts and rivals

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Admin

BBC claims online listening increase offsets live decline, while Rajar figures show Greatest Hits and LBC gaining audience

Radio 4’s Today Programme has lost 800,000 listeners in the past year as they switched to podcasts and rival talk radio shows.

The agenda-setting breakfast discussion programme has been trying to reinvent itself in recent months, adopting a more informal tone for parts of the show. It has also had to deal with Rishi Sunak’s government cutting access to government ministers as part of a deliberate communication strategy.

BBC under threat politically under Conservatives, says Ian McEwan

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Admin

Novelist compares UK to Hungary in Radio Times interview, while Ken Bruce criticises handling of Radio 2 exit

The BBC is “under threat, politically,” the novelist Ian McEwan has said, as he compared sections of the Conservative party to the populist right in Hungary.

The author of Amsterdam, On Chesil Beach and Atonement recently collaborated with the BBC Symphony Orchestra for an evening of words and music at the Barbican. The event came as the BBC’s classical music performing groups faced “catastrophic” cuts, and the corporation’s high-profile presenters including Gary Lineker clashed with the government over its policies.

Steve Wright signs off from Radio 2 afternoon show after 23 years

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Admin

DJ, whose last track on his ‘big show’ was Queen’s Radio Ga Ga, will continue to broadcast on the BBC

Steve Wright has signed off from his final Radio 2 afternoon show with the DJ thanking his listeners for tuning in for the last 23 years.

He played out with Queen’s Radio Ga Ga and its final lyrics: “You had your time, you had the power, you’ve yet to have your finest hour.” As the music faded, Wright said: “Those are the closing moments of Steve Wright in the Afternoon on Radio 2.”

Paul O’Grady says he can ‘run free’ after hosting his final Radio 2 show

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Admin

Presenter also admits the reason for his departure was new BBC schedule for Sunday afternoon show

Paul O’Grady thanked his listeners and said he can now “run free” as he signed off from his final BBC Radio 2 show on Sunday.

O’Grady, 67, had hosted the Sunday afternoon programme for nearly 14 years, before a schedule shake-up meant he shared the hosting role with comic Rob Beckett, swapping every 13 weeks.

Jo Whiley says vaccine offer for her sister ‘too late’ as she fights Covid – video

Posted on February 21, 2021 by Admin

The BBC Radio 2 DJ says ‘it couldn’t be crueller’ after her sister, Frances, has finally been offered a Covid vaccine, but it may have come too late.

Whiley said it had been the worst week of her family’s lives and 24 hours ago medical staff were discussing palliative care for her sister, although on Saturday she rallied round and her oxygen levels were beginning to rise.

Whiley said she hoped speaking out about her sister’s experience would highlight the need to get people with learning disabilities vaccinated as soon as possible