The BBC calls Radio 2 ‘intergenerational’ as over 100 fans complain about Ken Bruce’s departure

The BBC has insisted Radio 2 will remain a “multi-generational” broadcaster after receiving more than 100 complaints about Ken Bruce’s departure.

There is growing concern among loyal listeners that the network is abandoning its older audience, having previously canceled 68-year-old Steve Wright’s afternoon show and this week announcing the departure of 71-year-old Bruce.

Other elderly presenters who have left the station in recent months include Paul O’Grady, 67, and Vanessa Feltz, 60. The BBC has released a statement on the Complaints section of its website to try to reassure listeners , after Bruce’s departure became known.

Its morning program is the most popular show on British radio, with more than 8.5 million listeners a week. He will be leaving in March to join Greatest Hits Radio.

There is growing concern among loyal listeners that BBC Radio 2 is abandoning its older audience following the departure of Ken Bruce

Last week, the Mail revealed that Wright’s successor at Radio 2, former Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills, played far fewer songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s than Wright

Normally, the BBC only releases such statements when there have been more than a hundred complaints on an issue. The company said: “Radio 2 remains very proud of its range of presenters from 30 to 80, an age range that hasn’t changed in decades, and Ken himself began presenting on Radio 2 at the age of 33 .

“Radio 2 will continue to be an intergenerational radio station, serving audiences over 35 with a fantastic range of programming presented by some of the UK’s most popular presenters.”

Last week, the Mail revealed that Wright’s successor at Radio 2, former Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills, played far fewer songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s than Wright.

On Tuesday, Bruce said it was “the right time” to leave Radio 2, stressing it was “completely my decision”.

It sparked consternation from listeners, with one lamenting the “protracted decline of Radio 2”, while another branded it a “dark day” for the station.