Ken Bruce effect? Legendary DJ helps attract tens of thousands more listeners to Greatest Hits Radio after bosses poached him from BBC Radio Two

Ken Bruce effect? Legendary DJ helps attract tens of thousands more listeners to Greatest Hits Radio after bosses poached him from BBC Radio Two

As an ardent fan who has grown up with the soothing tones of Ken Bruce, Simon Mayo, and Paul Gambaccini on BBC Radio 2, it is with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation that I watch these radio veterans embark on new adventures at Greatest Hits Radio. It feels like a reunion of sorts, albeit across different frequencies.


They poached him after he was the voice of BBC Radio 2 for the best part of 40 years.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share that the bet on Ken Bruce is undeniably proving fruitful! The audience of Greatest Hits Radio has seen an impressive 30% surge in numbers. It’s a testament to Ken’s exceptional work and our collective dedication to providing top-notch entertainment.

In the recently published RAJAR radio listening statistics, it came to light that the number of listeners for Greatest Hits Radio has grown significantly, rising from 578,000 in the previous year’s report to a current 752,000 as of this year.

In the last five years, Greatest Hits has poached three popular members of staff from BBC Radio 2.

In the year 2020, following a 17-year tenure at the BBC, Simon Mayo, aged 65, transitioned to Greatest Hits Radio and started hosting his well-known Album Show every Sunday at 1 pm. Later in March 2021, he resumed his daily radio broadcast and The Simon Mayo Drivetime Show.

Ken Bruce effect? Legendary DJ helps attract tens of thousands more listeners to Greatest Hits Radio after bosses poached him from BBC Radio Two

Ken Bruce effect? Legendary DJ helps attract tens of thousands more listeners to Greatest Hits Radio after bosses poached him from BBC Radio Two

Paul Gambaccini, aged 75, served as the host for Pick of the Pops on BBC Radio 2 from July 2016 until October 2023.

Ever since my days with the BBC, I’ve been snatched away by the enchanting tunes of Greatest Hits Radio to host America’s Greatest Hits every Saturday afternoon since February 2020. It’s a dream come true for this devoted fan!

He still presents the Paul Gambaccini Collection on Radio 2, which began on 29 October 2023.

Mr. Bruce, aged 73, devoted 39 years to BBC Radio 2 before making headlines by moving to Greatest Hits radio station last year.

From 1986 to 1990, as well as from 1992 up until 2023, he gained notability for hosting his mid-morning program.

Last September, he expressed that he chose to depart for a competing station as he believed it was time for a fresh start.

He revealed that he disliked some of the music he was forced to play, admitting he had started to feel ‘bitter and entrenched’.

Ken Bruce effect? Legendary DJ helps attract tens of thousands more listeners to Greatest Hits Radio after bosses poached him from BBC Radio Two

In May, it was found that BBC Radio 2 had experienced a decrease of over a million listeners since Bruce’s departure.

As a devoted fan, I’ve been closely tracking the weekly audience figures for the BBC’s beloved radio service, and it seems there’s been a slight dip in listenership lately. Over the past three months from January to March, the numbers have dropped by a staggering 1.23 million listeners! From 14.46 million to 13.23 million, that’s nearly a 9% decrease compared to the same period last year. It’s a bit concerning for someone like me who can’t get enough of this radio service!

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2024-07-31 23:18

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