Ken Bruce reveals why Radio 2’s audience numbers have fallen after Vernon Kay took over hosting duties following his departure

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Ken Bruce left BBC Radio 2 over two years ago, ending a run of more than thirty years presenting the mid-morning program.

The 72-year-old Scottish presenter, who received an MBE for his work in radio, has moved to Greatest Hits Radio.

Vernon Kay recently started hosting the show from 9:30 to 12 on weekdays. However, listenership numbers have reportedly decreased from approximately 8.1 million to 6.6 million since he began.

After two and a half years, Ken is finally explaining why he stopped listening to his old radio show and sharing his thoughts on how many people are still tuning in to Radio 2 since his departure.

In an interview with Saga magazine, he explained that people often ask if he listens to Vernon Kay, who now hosts the show that he used to have on Radio 2. He always responds, ‘No’.

I haven’t stopped listening to the BBC entirely – I still enjoy Radio 3 and shows from 4 Extra. However, I’m now working with Bauer Radio, which is my main focus.

I keep up with what my colleagues are doing by listening to their programs. I am aware the Radio 2 show’s ratings have decreased since I moved on, and yes, some listeners did tune in to Greatest Hits Radio when I joined.

He also made it clear he wouldn’t criticize the BBC, emphasizing that his current show is successful – viewership has reportedly doubled since he started working on it, and that’s what he cares about.

Ken, a father of six adult children ranging in age from 15 to 43 through his three marriages, and a grandfather of three, has consistently stated that leaving the BBC after 46 years was his own choice and that he was not fired.

Continuing with that story, he explained that he was increasingly annoyed and upset by how little was improving in his life.

He added that even though he’s only been at Greatest Hits Radio for two and a half years after leaving Radio 2, it feels like a fresh start and a different chapter in his life.

After 46 wonderful years with the BBC, I was starting to become really negative. I was 71 years old and had been doing the same work for so long that I began to wonder if I was nearing retirement and becoming obsolete.

I realized it was time for a change, and I know many others feel the same way.

A fresh start with a lively new team! And as for retiring? Definitely not happening anytime soon.

After leaving his previous position, Ken is now hosting a new show on Greatest Hits Radio in the late morning. He’s also brought with him ‘Pop Master,’ the famous radio quiz, as he owns the rights to it.

He tests listeners’ knowledge of hit songs and music trivia, crowning a PopMaster champion in the process.

Ken jokingly said that while he’s not known for being good with money, he made a smart business move when he got the rights to the PopMaster quiz.

This allowed me to continue using the show’s style when I transitioned to Greatest Hits Radio, and I’m excited to bring it along with me next year on the Saga Cruise to the Canary Islands.

Ken began hosting mid-morning shows in 1986. He briefly tried late nights in 1990, followed by early mornings, but returned to his mid-morning slot in January 1992, where he stayed for over 30 years until leaving in 2023.

As a lifestyle and media observer, I’ve noticed a clear pattern over the last five years: Greatest Hits Radio has consistently recruited some of its most popular on-air talent directly from BBC Radio 2. It’s become something of a trend, and definitely worth noting when you look at how the station has built its team.

Recent audience figures from RAJAR show the station has gained 13% more listeners in the past year, increasing from 6.66 million to 7.54 million. This compares to numbers reported in a similar study from 2023.

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2025-11-24 03:04