Vanessa Feltz accuses BBC of ‘ageism’ after Ken Bruce announces Radio 2 departure

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vanessa Feltz has accused the BBC of “ageism” folowing Ken Bruce’s announcement he is leaving Radio 2. After host Phillip Schofield asked her why she thinks Bruce, 71, jumped ship after 45 years working at the station, she said: “I can’t speak for him but I imagine that it’s a feeling of some sense of ageism at the BBC.” Feltz, 60, claimed that older presenters are “not valued in the same way”, adding: “The music isn’t as appealing ‘cause they’ve changed it to appeal to a younger crowd they’re so desperate to get.” When asked if she felt she was not valued due to her age, Feltz replied: “Yes, I did.” Feltz then highlighted other names to have left the channel in recent years. Graham Norton too.” The BBC told The Independent in response to Feltz’s comments: “Ken explained his reasons for leaving Radio 2 in his quote and on air. The statement continued: “ will continue to be a multi-generational radio station that serves a 35 plus audience with listeners tuning in each week to our brilliant range of programmes, hosted by some of the UK’s best loved presenters We continue to play a wide variety of the best music from the past seven decades, including from the 60s and 70s.” Ken Bruce is leaving BBC Radio 2 after three decades Bruce, who has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show since 1990, said the decision was “entirely” his own and that “nothing stays the same forever”.