Radio 2 planning to bring DJ icons 'back from the dead' with spin-off station

14 June 2023 , 07:39

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Radio 2 could bring the likes of Terry Wogan and John Peel back by airing their old shows on spin-off station

Radio 2 are potentially going to air old Terry Wogan and John Peel shows on a spin-off station, it has been reported.

In a bid to bring back an older audience, there has been a proposal to air vintage shows on a separate station.

It has been said that Radio 2 Extra is potentially launching which would air old programmes throughout the day.

The idea, which is set to be discussed with the corporation, would see shows from stars who have passed away such as Sir Terry Wogan, Janice Long and John Peel, as well other legends Gloria Hunniford and Simon Bates.

According to the i newspaper, BBC local radio DJ Mark Punter, who presents the Vintage Vinyl podcast, came up with the idea as a way of getting listeners to come back to the "mother station".

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Old programmes could be brought back (Getty Images)

He was set to meet with Radio 2's head of music, Jeff Smith, yesterday to get BBC management to back his idea.

The spin-off Radio 2 station would play old episodes of Wake Up to Wogan at 7.30am followed by Simon Bates' programme Our Tune.

Following this would be Gloria Hunniford at midday and then Steve Wright in the afternoon.

It's also said that there is potential for there to be live overnight shows from BBC local radio presenters.

Mr Punter told the i: "A Radio 2 Extra would provide more music variety for older listeners and a home for some of the brilliant departed BBC Local presenters."

A BBC spokesman said: "We are always happy to be approached and hear about different ideas from staff.

"We have no current plans to launch a new digital Radio 2 service and continue to serve our audiences with our stations and content across BBC Radio and Sounds."

Radio 2 has been criticised by listeners after multiple presenters have left their shows.

Ken Bruce, 72, Steve Wright, 68, the late Paul O'Grady, who died aged 67, and Vanessa Feltz, 61, left in recent times and were all replaced with younger presenters.

Rival radio station Boom Radio, which also targets an older audience, has doubled its audience since.

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