Latest news about BBC Radio 2

Zoe Ball in talks to replace Chris Evans at Radio 2

The BBC and Zoe Ball are currently negotiating over a new contract which will see Zoe take over from Chris Evans on the Radio 2 breakfast show. A report in the Sun says a contract is expected to be signed within the next two weeks which will see Zoe handed a significant pay rise. If Zoe refuses, it will be offered to Sara Cox. The report appears to be backed up by a quote from a BBC source, which says:...

BBC Radio 2 announces Paul Weller for Radio 2 In Concert

BBC Radio 2 announces Paul Weller as the first act confirmed for this year’s star-studded line-up for this autumn’s In Concert series. Paul Weller was announced in a special Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show from Weller’s studio in Woking today. The line-up in full will be announced by Jo Whiley & Simon Mayo between 5-8pm on Radio 2 on Wednesday 19 September.

Final agenda confirmed for Drive to Digital event

Digital Radio UK has confirmed the final conference agenda for Drive to Digital 2018: The Future of Radio. Drive to Digital 2018 will be chaired by Gethin Jones, co-presenter of the new Hits Radio Breakfast Show, and has a line up of senior speakers from broadcasters, supply chain, the automotive sector, the audio market and podcasters, who will be sharing their views on the future of radio.

After Chris Evans ... why women are leading the race for the breakfast slot

As the longtime presenter vacates his breakfast slot, five of the six favourites to take over his popular show are women. So what has prompted this cultural shift in a schedule that has been dominated by men for years? On Monday morning, on his Radio 2 breakfast show, Chris Evans surprised many by announcing that he would be leaving at Christmas. “Some of us are mountain climbers,” he said. “But if you get to the top of your favourite mountain and stay there, you become an observer.”

Chris Evans is returning to Virgin Radio for Breakfast

Chris Evans is returning to the Virgin Radio brand after announcing he’s leaving BBC Radio 2 before the end of the year. Speaking about his new appointment, Chris said: “In many ways Virgin Radio is my spiritual home. I see nothing but exciting and groundbreaking opportunities ahead. In a medium that is changing so quickly on a daily basis, the potential for growth is unprecedented. Our plan is: to give it all we’ve got, see where we can...

Chris Evans to leave BBC Radio 2

BBC Radio 2 today announces that Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter Chris Evans will be leaving the network. Thirteen years after presenting his first show for the station, he will broadcast his last show in December 2018. Chris says: “I have absolutely loved every single moment of my time at Radio 2. The last 13 years have flashed by in what seems like the blink of an eye. I have learnt so much from so many people to whom I will be eternally grateful.

BBC Radio 2 celebrates three legends of pop: Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince

Across the August Bank Holiday Weekend (25-27 August), BBC Radio 2 will celebrate the 60th birthdays of three of the most influential names in pop music: Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince. The weekend kicks off with a Pick of the Pops special (Saturday 25 August, 1-3pm), focussing on Prince and Madonna. To celebrate the huge contribution both artists have made to pop history, Paul Gambaccini will count down their 20 bestselling tracks from their long and illustrious careers.

RAJAR Q2 2018: London and national brands update

Kiss has taken over from Capital as the biggest commercial radio station in London in the latest Q2/2018 RAJAR listening figures. Capital’s audience in the capital is down 10.8% year on year to 2.063m, while Kiss has had a great quarter, hitting 2.087m weekly listeners – 24,000 more than its rival. In third place is Magic (1.667m), which leapfrogs rival Heart this quarter (1.404m). LBC is in fifth on reach with 1.280m listeners in the capital (down 9.3% year on year).

Kylie Minogue leads BBC Music Day celebrations

Kylie Minogue is headlining the promotion of BBC Music Day 2018, which will be heard across BBC Radio on Friday 28th September. Gareth Malone and Jarvis Cocker are also amongst the famous names taking part in the event, featured on Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, 6 Music and local and regional stations. Kylie has recorded some music-related messages that will be played out at major rail stations on that day and...

Radio helps mark release of Now 100 album

Radio stations including Absolute 80s, Virgin and BBC Radio 2 are among those airing special programmes as the 100th Now That’s What I Call Music album is released. Bauer digital station Absolute 80s is broadcasting a celebration at 8pm tonight (Thursday), presented by Mark Goodier, called “That Was Then, This is Now 100”. It will look back over 35 years of the compilation album.