It could be the answer to winning back older listeners who have been attracted to Radio 2’s rival stations, amid claims the BBC is desperately chasing younger listeners.
A proposal to launch ‘Radio 2 Extra’, a station which would air repeats of vintage programmes throughout the day, is reportedly going to be discussed with the corporation.
The idea would see the ‘golden oldie’ station run archive broadcasts of programmes by the likes of deceased stars like Sir Terry Wogan, Janice Long and John Peel, as well other names such as Gloria Hunniford and Simon Bates.
BBC local radio DJ Mark Punter, who fronts the Vintage Vinyl podcast, has come up with the idea as a way of tempting back listeners to the ‘mother station’, according to the i newspaper.
He was due to meet Radio 2’s head of music, Jeff Smith, yesterday to sell his idea to BBC management.
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A proposal to launch ‘Radio 2 Extra’, a station which would air repeats of vintage programmes throughout the day such as old Terry Wogan (pictured) shows
Radio 2 has been criticised by loyal listeners over the way a string of older presenters have left their shows, with Ken Bruce, 72, Steve Wright, 68, the late Paul O’Grady, who died aged 67, and Vanessa Feltz, 61, among those who left in recent times. They were all replaced with younger stars.
Rival station Boom Radio, which targets an older audience, has doubled its audience.
According to a report the spin-off Radio 2 station would air old episodes of Wake Up to Wogan at 7.30am followed by Simon Bates’ programme Our Tune.
This would be followed by Gloria Hunniford at midday and then Steve Wright in the afternoon slot. It is also suggested there would be live overnight shows from BBC local radio presenters, potentially offering an opportunity to those who lost their jobs in recent weeks.
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.’
