BBC launches a brand new Radio 2 spin-off station in bid to win back listeners

Over the years loyal fans have expressed their outrage after some of their favourite presenters walked. The likes of veterans Ken Bruce and Steve Wright have been among those.

Ken, 73, had his phone in show for over 31 years. While Steve, 69, hosted a popular mid-afternoon segment for a staggering 23 years.

Prior to that, Steve spent 12 years on Radio One. The broadcaster says the new station is one of four it intends to launch on DAB and online via BBC Sounds.

Its primary focus will be on music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The format will be very similar to its sister station Radio One.

That station is aimed at young listeners, playing music from the 2000s onwards.

It has had a huge amount of success with a weekly audience of 7.3 million listeners.

However, Radio 2 is one of the UK's most popular stations, while being the most listened-to channel in the country.

Meaning, the new spin-off has a huge chance to so soar in success.

BBC reports that the new station will offer “a distinctive take on pop nostalgia' from the 50s, 60s and 70s”.

The station will also platform “some of the people who shaped the cultural landscape at the time”.

Leaders at the corporation hope some of Radio 2's former listeners may be persuaded to tune in after significant drops following the high-profile exits. 

Ken Bruce admitted feeling like he had been “taken for granted”, after moving to rival Greatest Hits. 

Since his move, he gained the competitor 800,000 weekly listeners from June last year.