1 week Ago By Michelle Marshall
Legendary broadcaster Tony Blackburn blasted Ofcom an "absolute disgrace” for snubbing the BBC. Bosses at BBC Radio 2 sparked uproar when they axed veteran broadcasters such as Steve Wright in a bid to attract younger listeners. The corporation came under fire again after a proposal to launch a "golden oldies" station for listeners, who had subsequently abandoned Radio 2 following the changes.
Stars at Boom Radio, launched in 2021 to appeal to those "baby boomers," welcomed former BBC presenters, including Ken Bruce, and is now the UK's fastest-growing commercial station. However, the BBC planned to launch the spinoff Radio 2 Extra—an additional digital service—which was dubbed a blatant "rip-off" by Boom Radio stars, as they feared it could threaten the station’s future. Ofcom has since rejected the BBC 's proposals to launch Radio 2 Extra.
"I am so disappointed that @BBCRadio2 is not being allowed to expand and have a Radio2 extra where we could bring a unique service to the public,” Tony fumed on X on April 10. He continued: “The BBC has a fantastic amount of archive material which this new service would have broadcast as well as music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Kenny Everett shows, Bob Harris with items from The Old Grey Whistle Test and Paul Gambaccini interviews and much more.
This new station would be like no other but because Ofcom has made a ridiculous decision the public will not hear this. I am really annoyed and think this decision is a disgrace and shows how out of touch the authority is. An absolute disgrace.
” Former BBC local radio presenter Nicky Horne, who now works for Boom Radio, thanked Ofcom before a social media spat with Tony. He tweeted: “We @BoomRadioUK knew we had a strong case, but @ BBC threw everything they had trying to kill us off. They lost.
Comprehensively. Now they should invest in PUBLIC SERVICE broadcasting, overturning the damage they have inflicted on local radio. Thank you @Ofcom.
" The 82-year-old broadcaster replied: "This is totally untrue Nicky we were going to broadcast some great shows and nothing like your station this would have been something completely different. What you are doing is very good but competition is a good thing and you should not be scared of it." To which Nicky politely fired back: "Hey Tony.
Always good to hear from you. If R2 hadn’t alienated and abandoned the older demo so callously while destroying LR (local radio), Boom would not have existed. You reap what you sow.
Nx" The BBC originally planned to launch the new station in 2024, but Ofcom ruled that it could harm fair competition. Following a revised proposal in late 2024, Ofcom confirmed the concerns, stating that the BBC ’s station could harm Boom Radio’s business and discourage investment in commercial radio. Boom Radio now hopes to reach one million listeners by the end of 2025.
Ofcom’s provisional ruling is open for consultation until May 14..
