Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce criticises BBC for early exit, leaves after 46 years. See details

Ken Bruce, the radio presenter, expressed his disappointment at being taken off air prematurely before his BBC contract concluded, stating that it was regrettable that he was unable to finish his tenure of final month.

He acknowledged during his final day of broadcasting at the BBC that the decision was fully within the BBC's authority, but he couldn't help but feel that it was unfortunate that he couldn't finish the remaining 17 days.

The 72-year-old made his final Radio 2 appearance on Friday morning, airing from 9:30 am until midday. In January, after serving 46 years with the BBC, Bruce announced his departure to join Greatest Hits Radio (GHR) in April. He has been hosting a morning radio show on Radio 2 since 1986, except for a brief hiatus in the early 1990s.

Concerns were raised that Bruce's presence on the BBC during his last three weeks of employment could potentially serve as advertising for his new show, prompting the BBC to place him on gardening leave. Vernon Kay will be taking over Bruce's slot on Radio 2.

During an interview on Friday, Ken Bruce expressed his disappointment at being unable to work until the end of his contract. Simon Mayo, a fellow presenter who also left the BBC to work for GHR in 2018, criticized the BBC's handling of the situation, describing it as 'messy'.

Reflecting on his lengthy career with the broadcaster, Bruce mentioned that he has been broadcasting daily, five days a week since 1977, and that he loves the practice. Although he acknowledges that his move to GHR will bring about changes, he still desires to be on the airwaves daily.

Bruce was originally trained as an accountant and began his career working for the Hospital Broadcasting Service in the city. He chose Marvin Gaye's "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" and Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" as his two favourite songs in tribute to his show.

FAQs

Q1:Where was Ken Bruce born?
Glasgow

Q2:When did Ken Bruce join BBC Radio 2?
1984