BBC Radio 2 blocked from launching 'golden oldies' station

BBC Radio 2 blocked from launching 'golden oldies' station

Boom Radio, the “golden oldies” station which broadcasts from its DJs’ garden sheds, celebrated a victory over the BBC after plans for a Radio 2 spin-off were blocked.The BBC suffered a major blow after Ofcom issued a final decision to prevent the broadcaster from launching the “Radio 2 Extra” digital station, aimed at older listeners.The Radio 2 extension, which focussed on pop hits from the 1950s to the 1970s and featuring programmes from the …

Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn says OfCom’s decision to block BBC Radio 2 spin-off is “disgraceful”

UK media regulator OfCom has issued a final ruling blocking the BBC from launching a new golden oldies spin-off radio station under the Radio 2 brand. It’s a decision welcomed by the commercial radio sector, but dubbed “disappointing” by the BBC and “disgraceful” by Radio 2 presenter Tony Blackburn. According to commercial radio sector trade group RadioCentre, OfCom’s decision is “the only sensible conclusion” to the regulator’s assessment of th…

Tony Blackburn slams Ofcom over Radio 2 spin-off rejection

Tony Blackburn has criticised Ofcom’s decision to block a proposed Radio 2 spin-off aimed at older listeners. The veteran broadcaster called the decision “a disgrace” and said the regulator was “totally out of touch”. Tony has publicly supported the idea of a second Radio 2 service throughout the consultation period, despite differing views from some in the industry. Alongside fellow Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris, he reportedly wrote to Ofcom bac…