BBC Radio 2 folk DJ Mike Harding hits out at boss after sacking | Media | The Guardian BBC Radio 2 folk DJ Mike Harding hits out at boss after sacking Veteran presenter to be replaced by Mark Radcliffe after 15 years presenting Folk Show Mike Harding says controller Bob Shennan only rang him once and that was to sack him. Photograph: Jude Edginton/BBC Wednesday 17 October 2012 12.07 EDT First published on Wednesday 17 October 2012 12.07 EDT Close This article is 4 years old BBC Radio 2 presenter Mike Harding, who has been axed as presenter of the station's folk music show after 15 years, has hit out at its controller Bob Shennan, saying the only time he rang him was to sack him. Harding will be replaced in the new year by another Radio 2 presenter, Mark Radcliffe, his first primetime show on Radio 2 since he switched to 6 Music last year. "In 15 years I have built the programme from 70,000 listeners to 860,000 listeners.

In all that time I have never had a single phone call from Radio 2 to say I was doing a good job even though I instituted things like the Folk Awards with my producer John [Leonard]. I built that show up over the years with a lot of hard work because it is music that is in my blood," Harding said. "Last Tuesday I got the only phone call I have ever had from Radio 2 – from Bob Shennan – telling me he was pulling me from the programme. No reason was given beyond that they wanted to make it more 'live'. No other presenter was mentioned." Harding, who currently pre-records the show, said he could have broadcast it live if requested. He will continue to present the Wednesday evening slot for the rest of the year, with his last show on Boxing Day. "I will continue to do it with the professionalism that I have always done," said the singer and comedian who had his own show on BBC2 . Harding, who is also known as the "Rochdale Cowboy" after his 1975 chart hit, turns 68 later this month. He said age should have nothing to do with presenting. "Folk music spans the generations," he said.

"Young people don't care how old I am as long as I know what I'm talking about. I'm a player, I'm a musician. It's my life." Radcliffe, who currently presents a late-night show on Radio 2 alongside his afternoon 6 Music show, which he co-hosts with Stuart Maconie, said: "I can't say how thrilled and honoured I am to be doing this. "I am also well aware of how loved and cherished Mike Harding is and it is daunting to be following in his footsteps. He is a friend and someone I respect enormously and I really want to pay tribute to the sterling job he's done on the Folk Show for so long. Thanks Mike, from all of us." Shennan described Radcliffe as a "firm favourite with Radio 2 listeners [with] unrivalled broadcasting credentials and longstanding passion, knowledge and hands-on experience of folk music". The Radio 2 and 6 Music controller added: "I'd like to thank Mike Harding, who has spent 15 years at the top of his game, delighting fans with his expertise and rooting out the very best folk music.

"On his watch, folk has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity and Mike has been key in supporting the genre and introducing Radio 2 listeners to a broad range of new artists. We very much hope to work with him again in the future." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediatheguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". • To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook . TalkSport has also held talks with DJ's agent after BBC London show was axed, prompting an on-air tirade from presenter. By John Plunkett Published: 2 Nov 2012 R2ok/Radio 2 timeline related events of the year and photos from the decade 30 Sept 1967 at 5.30am, Radio 2 and Radio 1 first broadcast, on 1500M and 247M respectively.

Radio 2 was first introduced by Paul Hollingdale 'This is BBC Radio 2, the Light Programme and on 1500 metres Long Wave and VHF and Radio 1 on 247metres, good morning this is Paul Hollingdale on this opening day on Radio 1 and Radio 2 welcoming you to Breakfast Special ......' The first record played was The Sound Of Music, Julie Andrews. The George Martin Theme One signature music was used for both Radio 2 and 1 but soon there was a Radio 2 jingle with it's emphasis on 'easy' listening. Radio 2 and Radio 1 often shared frequencies when the programmes were the same on both stations. Robin Scott is the first controller of Radio 2 (and 1) In 1967 shows on Radio 2 included: John Dunn presented Breakfast Special, later Ray Moore Jimmy Young's show 9.55-12 noon was on Radios 1 & 2 Midday Spin 12 - 1.00pm featured different DJ's during the week, including Kenny Everett, Simon Dee, Duncan Johnson and Stuart Henry. In December Tony Brandon replaced Duncan Johnson.

Radio 2's evening shows were shared with Radio 1, and included - Monday's 'Country Style presented by David Allan - Wednesday's My Kind of Folk - Saturday's Country Meets Folk was broadcast live from Charing Cross Playhouse London presented by Wally Whyton - and the live Jazz Club was presented by Humphrey Lyttelton from venues around Britain.

Late Night Extra presenters included Bob Holness, Pete Myers, Barry Alldis, Mike Lennox, Terry Wogan Big Band Show 1.00 - 1.55pm was varied: - on Mondays Dave Cash - on Tuesdays Keith Fordyce presented Pop Inn - on Wednesdays Denny Piercy presented Parade Of The Pops - on Thursdays Pop North was first presented by Ray Moore, later by Dave Lee Travis - on Fridays the Joe Loss Show was presented by David Hamilton, Tony Hall, Roger Moffat At weekends there were a lot of shows broadcast on both R1 and R2: SATURDAY PROGRAMMES included: 8.32 Junior Choice (formerly Children's Favourites' on the Light Programme) presented by Leslie Crowther 10.00 Max Jaffa and Sandy MacPherson presented 'Melody Time' Note: 10.00 Saturday Club with Keith Skues was possibly only on Radio 1 - a showcase for new and established artists (had started 1958 on the Light Programme as Saturday Skiffle Club) formerly presented by Brian Matthew 1.00pm Jack Jackson (comedy clips from albums and easy listening music) 2.0

0 Chris Denning Where It's At 3.00 'Pick of What's New', presenters included Pete Murray, Ed Stewart, Don Moss, Keith Skues, Jonathan King and Dave Lee Travis (Radio 1 & 2) 4.00 Pete Brady(Radio 1 & 2) 5.30 Country Meets Folk(Radio 1 & 2) 6.32 Scene & Heard news items, pop press review, interviews and looking at a current LP.

This programme was often rescheduled to different times and days.(Radio 1 & 2) 10.00 Pete�s People (Pete Murray)(Radio 1 & 2) 12.05 Night Ride (Radio 1 & 2) on the first SUNDAY, 1st October, Ed Stewart's Sunday show at 10.00am Happening Sunday which lasted 7 weeks later the regular SUNDAY PROGRAMMES included 9.00 Junior Choice (Radio 1 & 2) - originally Leslie Crowther 10.00 Melodies For You presented by Eric Robinson (Radio 2 only) 12.00 Family Favourites (Radio 1 & 2) also Wakey! Wakey! a Sunday lunchtime show with Billy Cotton, his band and friends and later shows included Jazz Scene, David Jacobs and Night Ride. Also in 1967, 2.00 - 3.00pm Woman's Hour weekdays Be My Guest presented by Brian Matthew Night Ride presented by John Curle Round The Horne with Kenneth Horne Record Roundabout with Jack Jackson Album Time with Brian Matthew Top Of The Form school quiz Does The Team Think?

Cliff Richards presented a Be My Guest show Katie Boyle presented Pop Over Europe Hubert Gregg presented A Square Deal Alan Keith presented Your Hundred Best Tunes Humphrey Lyttelton presented Best Of Jazz Sheridan Morley presented Late Night Line-Up (till 1975) Kenneth Williams presented An International Cabaret from Talk Of the Town, London Nov quiz show Treble Chance (ninth series) was presented by Brian Johnston Oct '67 - Feb '68 The Clitheroe Kid 1967 January Tom Edwards replaced Simon Dee on Midday Spin 14 Feb Ed Stewart began presenting Junior Choice Mondays offered: Breakfast Special, Paul Hollingdale from 5.30am 9.00am as Radio 1 (Pete Murray's Family Choice) 10.00am as Radio 1 (Jimmy Young's show) 11.00am Morning Story followed by The Dales 11.30 Melody On The Move Jimmy Hanley presented a BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra programme 12.00 as Radio 1 Midday Spin with Barry Mason 1.00pm Grand Hotel a programme of music from Reginald Leopold & his orchestra 2.0

0pm Woman's Hour presented by Judith Chalmers 3.00pm as Radio 1, middle bit of Pete Brady's show 4.30pm Album Time with Brian Matthew 5.15pm Roundabout with Colin Hamilton Round The Horne with Kenneth Horne Country Style with David Allan Jun - July What About Dick Emery?

Sundays 2.00pm Oct '68 - Feb '69 The Clitheroe Kid 1968 Peter Latham presented Breakfast Special The Organist Entertains was born, presented by Robin Richmond.

Sunday Soapbox starts Derek Nimmo had a time presenting Nimmo At Noon Michael Parkinson's first radio show was Late Night Extra the last Mrs Dale's Diary was broadcast on April 25th, starred Jessie Matthews the first Waggoner's Walk was broadcast April 28th Alan Dell produced show The Big Band Era early in the year Wednesdays had to offer: 5.30am Breakfast Special with Peter Latham 9.00am Family Choice with Terry Scott 10.00am Jimmy Young 11.00am Morning Story followed by The Dales 12.00 Sam Costa 3.00pm as Radio 1, mid-part of Keith Skues show 4.30pm Roundabout with Brian Matthew Album Time with David Gell Time For Old Time 10.00pm Late Night Extra with Pete Myers 12.00 as Radio 1 Night Ride presented by John Peel and Jon Curle from October Terry Wogan presents his breakfast show (R1 & R2) and Pete Murray presents Open House Aug - Dec The Clitheroe Kid 1969 Ashley Lawrence, an Australian conductor, fronts the BBC Concert Orchestra (until 198

9) Tony Brandon starts his mid-morning show Jack Jackson records his series at his home in Tenerife Eric Robinson had to end his prentation of Melodies For You due to illness Tuesdays offered: 9.00am Pete Murray's Open House 11.30am Tony Brandon 2.00pm Woman's Hour with Marjorie Anderson 3.00pm Wogan 6.00pm Album Time with Brian Matthew 7.00pm After Seven presented by David Jacobs or Michael Aspel 8.00pm Does The Team Think?

9.00pm Alan Dell's Big Band Sound 10.00 Late Night Extra with Shaw Taylor Night Ride with Bruce Wyndham Apr - Jun The Clitheroe Kid 1971 The quiz Pop Score begins in 1972 Apr Terry Wogan moved to the Breakfast Show and now only on R2 John Dunn starts afternoon show Michael Aspel presented Family Favourites on Sundays Hubert Gregg starts his show Thanks For The Memory Alan Dell starts Dance Band Days and The Big Bands on Mondays Colin Berry joins R2 as presenter and news reader Woman's Hour moves to Radio 4 the Sunday schedule included: 8.00am Reginald Dixon at the organ 8.30am Music For Sunday with Dora Bryan 9.00am Junior Choice with Ed Stewart 10.00am Melodies For You 2.00pm Does The Team Think?

2.30pm Mike Yarwood (comic impressionist) 3.00pm Mitchell Minstrel Show 5.00pm Pick Of The Pops with Alan Freeman 7.00pm Sing Something Simple 9.00pm Your 100 Best Tunes with Alan Keith 10.00pm Sweet 'n' Swing 11.00pm Peter Clayton's Jazz Notes 12.00amJazz ClubNight Ride with Bruce Wyndham also in 1972 Beat The Record began, presented by Don Davis Today's Story a series of short stories May - Aug The Clitheroe Kid ends 1972 7.30pm The Song Stylists with Teddy Johnson 8.00pm Best Of Jazz with Humphrey Lyttelton 9.00pm Big Band Sound with Alan Dell 10.00pm Late Night Extra with Barry Cryer 12.00 - 2.00am Night Ride with Simon Bates also in 1973 Colin Berry began Radio 2 newsreading Radio 2 ballroom started 7th April - 16th June Radio 2 began it's series

 of comprehensive documentaries with biographies of entertainers each dealt with in depth in a full series of programmes.The first featured Bing Crosby, and others included Fred Astaire, Noel Coward, Vera Lynn, Louis Armstrong Mar - Apr Comedy Showcase Thursdays 10.00pm ?

- ? first series of Hello Cheeky!, with Barry Cryer et al on Mondays The Navy Lark Dec Hello Cheeky! Christmas Special 1973 1.30pm Sport on 2 with Desmond Lynam 6.00pm Wally Whyton 7.30pm Radio 2 Top Tunes 8.15pm Kings Of The Keyboard pm Saturday Night with the BBC Radio Orchestra 10.00pm European Pop Jury with David Gell 11.00pm - 12.00 Alan Dell The Law Game began, presented by Shaw Taylor. First panel was Diana Dors, Pete Murray and Leslie Randall Radio 2 broadcasted from the Olympics in Montreal (10pm-2.30am) by Terry Wogan July Wit's End series chaired by Lance Percival, ran through to 1985. First panel were Bernard Cribbins, Barry Cryer, Jim Davidson and Don Maclean. Three In a Row with Don Davis. Alan Freeman presented a new series of Free Spin a telephone music quiz Sammes� Songs � Friday night programme with the Mike Sammes Singers introduced by Ray Moore.

To celebrate the US bicentenary Radio 2 started a 26 part series on the history of US country music A-Pickin� and A-Grinnin� presented by George Hamilton IV. October Radio 2 starts to use jingles produced by JAM Creative Productions replacing those previously produced by PAMS. 1 October Sam Costa�s last daytime show. He went on to present the Saturday morning show (10am-12 noon) for 6 months and Sunday night�s Glamorous Nights (until July 1981) 4 October John Dunn took over the weekday slot from Sam Costa (4.50 pm to 7pm) May - Aug Hello Cheeky!

7.30pm Alan Dell Dance Band Days and Big Band Sound 9.00pm Best Of Jazz with Humphrey Lyttelton 10.00pm Star Sound 11.00pm - 12.00 Don Durbridge Sheila Tracey starts on R2 June Radio 2's Gala Jubilee Concert, part of the BBC International Festival of Light Music, was introduced by Pete Murray July a Sarah Vaughan special, a live tribute to the music of George Gershwin, she was interviewed by Peter Clayton November David Hamilton's afternoon show is now Radio 2 only The Late Show (11pm � midnight) presented by a rota of announcer/newsreaders Mon - Don Durbridge, Tues - Sheila Tracy, Wed - Tim Gudgin, Thurs - Ruth Cubbin, Fri - Len Jackson. 21 February 2000th episode of Waggoner�s Walk 1 May new series of The Impressionists.

16/17 May Jimmy Young presented his show from Moscow 8 August Town & Country Quiz with Keith Fordyce 5 October Semprini Serenade 20th Anniversary 1 October Teddy Johnson replaced Sam Costa on Saturday mornings (10-12 noon) until December. Sam Costa started to present Sam on Sunday from the following day (until May 1981). 14 October Victor Silvester on Radio 2 Ballroom with his 40th anniversary show 27 December Bing Crosby concert � his last recording before his death in October, introduced by Alan Dell. 31 December Wally Whyton took over the Saturday morning show from Teddy Johnson with The Sunny Side of Saturday. Alan Freeman presented another series of Free Spin a telephone music quiz In 1977 a lot of holiday cover provided by Ray Moore. He covered for Jimmy Young (July), John Dunn (July), Terry Wogan (Sept) and Pete Murray (November). Ray also started his own Sunday morning show (April 1977) called Banners and Bonnets .

1977 1977 January Early Show was presented by Ray Moore (January-June), Richard Vaughan (June-July) and Tony Brandon (from August). Drivetime show with Nick Page Brian Matthew took over presenting all the weekday editions of The Late Show (11pm � midnight) Benny Green presented Album Time on Sunday mornings, January until June. Sacha Distel presented a Sunday afternoon show It�s The Good Life, January until June. Benny Green presented Art Of The Songwriter On The Third Beat, a programme of orchestral music from BBC Scotland. Brain Fahey led the orchestra. Introduced by James Alexander Gordon, summer Tuesdays at 7.30pm.

Three In A Row general knowledge quiz presented by Don Davis, Tuesdays 10.00pm Thanks For The Memory presented by Hubert Gregg, Wednesdays 10.30pm Listen To The Band presented by Charlie Chester, 7.30pm Semprini Serenade, BBC Radio Orchestra, Wednesdays 8.15pm 25 March Tony Brandon took over Saturday morning slot from Sam Costa (until December) 3 April Round Midnight started, presented by Brian Matthew 26 June Richard Vaughan took over the Early Show (from Ray Moore) from 2 July Album Time was presented by Peter Clayton. 2 July Brian Rix presented a Sunday afternoon music show Thursdays offered: Duggie Brown presented new series of Free Spin, telephone music quiz A series of shows from the BBC International Festival of Light Music included: Saturday 24th June Alan Dell presenting a programme of music by the Festival Big Band and Syd Lawrence Orch. Tuesday 27 June at 9.00pm Among Your Souvenirs, a programme of Victorian and Edwardian music, presented by Alan Keith. Radio 2 broadcasted from the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton 23 November frequency changes.

Radio 1 separates completely from Radio 2. 11 December David Jacobs started his Saturday morning show (Junior Choice is now on Radio 1 only). 12 December Alan Dell started his Sunday afternoon series Sounds Easy. Two�s Best presented by Len Jackson moved from Saturday to Sunday. Oct - Dec Frankie Howerd's Variety Show Tuesdays 10.00pm Steptoe & Son series (in the summer) 8.00pm Golden Age Of Hollywood 9.00pm Listen To The Band 9.30pm Organist Entertains 10.00pm Les Dawson at the Variety Club 11.00pm Round Midnight with Brian Matthew 1.00am Encore with Sheila Tracy 2.00am You And The Night And The Music with Charles Nove also in 1982 The Name's The Game started, a quiz hosted by Roger Kitter. first series of When Housewives had The Choice by Russell Davies, and featured Maureen Lipman and Julie Covington. Night Owls started, presented by Dave Gell Beat The Record now presented by Keith Fordyce ,B>October Music While You Work special series of 5 programmes Can I Take That Again?

began, Jonathon Hewat's show about radio bloopers April - May Sunday 1.30pm series The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket 1982 6.00pm John Dunn (Ken Jones sometimes sat in) 7.30pm 9.00pm Listen To The Band 9.30pm The Name's The Game 10.00pm The Impressionists 10.30pm Round MidnightBrian Matthew (sometimes Richard Stilgoe sat in) 11.00pm Big Band Special 2.00am You And The Night And The Music with Charles Nove April - May and Oct - Nov Sunday 1.30pm series The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket 1983 1983 Alan Dell Grammy Award for production of Sinatra/Dorsey albums Terry Wogan awarded Sony for Popular Music show.

from January 1984 every weekday Music All The Way, a programme of light music, no presenter, 3.30 - 4.00pm Saturday Late Show presented by Ken Bruce On The Air started, a quiz presented by David Rider July Listen To The Band begins it's regular slot Dec Terry Wogan leaves R2 for TV stardom Wednesdays offered: 9.00 Lon Satton's Gospel Jubilee 10.00pm Wise On The Wireless with Ernie Wise 11.00 Round Midnight with Brian Matthew 1.00am Nightride with Alan Dedicoat 3.00 - 4.00amA Little Night Music also in 1988 No Strings Attached, a progamme of unaccompanied singing. for three weeks Your 100 Best Tunes was presented by Earl Spencer. Seven Deadly Singsongs presented by Russell Davies. Smiling Through , songs of WWII, devised by Cosmotheka.

Fletcher's Friends, a series presented by Cyril Fletcher Cinema 2 began, presented by Charles Nove Double Bill - a moviestars programme The Latin Quarter began, presented by Lucy Dovan Chris Ellis presented a series on entertainers House In A Garden started, presented by Gloria Hunniford and Alan Titchmarsh The Unfair Quiz, a comedy quiz presented by John Junkin Humoresque, a comedy.music seris presented by Tony Capstick 1988 8.30 Genghis Khan Was a Cowboy Too with Hank Wangford 9.00pm Listen to the Band 10.00pm A Slight Case of Murdoch 10.15pm No Strings Attached 10.30pm Thanks For The memory with Hubert Gregg 11.00pm Round Midnight with Brian Matthew 1.00amNightride with Bill Rennells 3.00-4.00am A Little Night Music also in 1989 The Max Jaffa Trio, performed a light music programme.

Max Jaffa (violin), Alan Dalzeil (cello) and Gordon Langford (piano) A Life Of Song - presented by Wally Ridley Myself When Young Claire Raynor interviewed celebrities about their early years. When Swing Was King presented by Mel Torme. Ian Bradley presented Songs With A Story about 100 years of wartime songs (since the Crimea) The Press Gang ended The entire Gilbert & Sullivan operetta music was performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra over 12 programmes - the temporary displacement of Benny Green and Alan Dell resulted in many protests and pickets at the BBC.

Feb Apr Sunday 7.00pm series The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket 25 December 25th Anniversary edition of I�m Sorry I�ll Read That Again Apr - Jun Mind Your Own Business with Bernard Cribbins et al, Fridays at 10.00pm Graham & Swift, a comedy series, presented by Carol Graham and Amanda Swift Time Cycle, a comedy quiz presented by Adrian Love Make 'em Laugh - comedy series presented by Bernard Cribbins 1989 1989 Barry Wordsworth becomes conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra, featured on Friday Night Is Music Night Ray Moore dies posthumous Fergie Award for Ray Moore January Frances Line replaces Bryant Marriott as Controller of Radio 2 January-March Billy Butler 13-week weekly show from Manchester March end of Radio 1 using Radio 2 frequencies 29 March Final edition of Brian Matthew�s Round Midnight April Sounds of the Sixties returns, presented by Brian Matthew 2 April Ken Bruce presents his first nightly late night show Judith Chalmers, mid-morning show 6 April Sheridan Morley's Arts Programme starts on R2 Don Maclean's Good Morning Sunday Saturday 25 August The last Sport on 2

 was broadcast on Radio 2 MW 27 August Radio 5 born, using the AM frequencies released by Radio 2, for sport Tuesdays offered: 9.00pm This Was Maurice Chevalier 10.00pm Ken Bruce 1.00amNightride with Colin Berry 3.00-4.00am A Little Night Music June 5-part series of Music While You Work to mark 50th Anniversary, featured the Phil Tate Orchestra also in 1990: Heroes, a series in which musicians talked about influences Tom Conti presented Melodies For You for three weeks Music From The Movies, played by the BBC Concert Orchestra, presented by Tim Rice.

On Parade, a series on military bands, presented by Brian Johnston. Roger Royle left Good Morning Sunday and later presented Sunday Half Hour Saturday Club was briefly revived by Brian Matthew Seven Age began, presented by Pete Haigh, interviewing people over 60 and playing their choice of a record for each decade of their life. Roy Jefferies presented Roy's Recipes, a cookery series. Paxton's America, a six part series on US folk music, presented by Tom Paxton Nov - Dec Friday 7.00pm series At Home With Hinge And Bracket Apr - May Mind Your Own Business with Bernard Cribbins et al, Fridays at 7.00pm Junkin's Jokers - comedy interviews presented by John Junkin Alan Dell dies 18 August Stuart Henry dies 24 November Feb Jim Moir becomes controller of R2 MarchBrian Hayes' Sunday show ends Michael Parkinson's Sunday Supplement begins.

Listen to the intro to Parky Michael Aspel left R2 to make room for the arrival of Sunday Love Songs April Steve Wright joins Radio 2 with his Saturday show and Sunday Love Songs Hayes Over Britain on Tuesday nights, 7.00 - 8.30pm Judi Spiers replaces Martin Kelner (Saturdays, mornings and then moved to afternoons) Sundays 5.00-7.00pm, Frank Topping and then Pam Ayres replaces Charlie Chester Roger Daltry stars in the R2 production of Jesus Christ Superstar John Dunn broadcast from Antartica Feb - Mar Laughter In The Air Thursdays 7.00pm, comedy documentary presented by Barry Took Aug - Sept Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm.

1996 Best Radio Programme (TRIC), Terry Wogan Sony Awards 1997 (for 1996) Outstanding Achievement (Gold) Jimmy Young News Presentation (Silver) News Presentation Themed Music Programme (Silver) Christmas Foreverett Best Personality Based Programme (Silver) Steve Wright�s Saturday Show Themed Music Programme (Bronze) The Simon And Garfunkel Story Breakfast Show - Music Based (Bronze) Wake Up To Wogan Daytime Music Sequence Programme (Bronze) Steve Wright�s Saturday Show Comedy (Bronze) Talking Comedy with Paul O�Grady Terry Wogan awarded honorary OBE Wally Whyton dies 22 January Charlie Chester dies 26 June Stuart Maconie joins Radio 2 Paul Gambaccini joins R2, hosting America's Greatest Hits, 5.30 - 7.00pm 11 April Judi Spiers� final Saturday afternoon show for Radio 2 18 April Johnnie Walker begins a run on Saturday afternoons Richard Baker replaces Hugh Scully on Melodies For You Alan Freeman's Their Greatest Bits replaces Hayes Over Britain on Tuesdays Mike Harding replaced Jim Lloyd (retired) on Folk on 2 Bob Harris Country replaced David Allan's

 Country Club Debbie Thrower leaves R2 Steve Madden leaves R2 and was replaced by Katrina Leskanich on weekday overnights Mark Lamarr joins R2 to host Reggae Show and Shake, Rattle & Roll Jools Holland joins R2 Russell Davies takes on the Sunday slot left by Benny Green who died Charles Nove leaves R2 October Drivetime with Johnnie Walker, Mon -Thurs; Des Lynam on Fridays In October Alan Keith celebrated his 90th birthday, and Richard Baker presented a special programme that Sunday evening called "Alan Keith at 90".

Mar - Apr Comedy Showcase Thursdays 10.00pm Sept - Oct Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. There was also a Christmas day special at 2.00pm July - Aug Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm.

1998 1998 Radio Personality Of The Year, Steve Wright Sony Awards 1998 (for 1997) The Weekend Award � Music (Gold) - Parkinson�s Sunday Supplement The Evening/Late Night Award � Music (Gold) - The Richard Allinson Show The Drivetime Award � Music (Gold) - The John Dunn Show The Feature Award � Music (Gold) - The Club That Scott Built The Feature Award � Music (Silver) - The Elvis Presley Story The Special Interest Music Award (Silver) - Smokey Robinson�s Soul Selection The Drama Award (Silver) - The Directors - Woody Allen The Breakfast Award � Music (Silver)- Wake Up To Wogan Alan Freeman awarded CBE R2 Listeners exceed 9 million Robin Richmond dies 27 July Benny Green dies 22 June Ed Stewart replaces Pam Ayres, Sundays 5.00-7.900pm Des Lynam leaves R2, so Johnnie Walker takes on Drivetime Fridays with the rest of the week and passes his Saturday slot to Janice Long (3.30 - 5.30pm) Johnnie Walker had to leave for for several months, April-November, during which Richard

 Allinson took the Drivetime slot, Lyn Parsons took Richard's show (10.30pm) and Nicky Horne took the weekend overnight slot.

July Steve Wright starts his regular weekday afternoon slot July Jonathon Ross starts his Saturday 10.00-1.00pm show Parkinson's Choice series Lynn Parsons resumes her weekend overnight slot replacing Nicky Horne Pam Ayres leaves R2 Aug - Sept Comedy Showcase Thursdays 10.00pm Sept - Oct Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. Apr - Jun Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm.

1999 Sony Awards 1999 (for 1998) Station Of The Year - BBC Radio 2 The Music Broadcaster Award (Gold) - Mark Lamarr The Feature Award � Speech (Gold) The Unknown Soldier The Special Interest Award � Music (Gold) Shake, Rattle And Roll (Mark Lamarr) The Community Award (Silver) - Cancer And You The Feature Award � Music (Silver) Frank Sinatra � The Voice Of The Century The Station Branding Award (Silver) BBC Radio 2 The Feature Award � Music (Bronze) - The Jack Jackson Story The Evening/Late Night Award � Music (Bronze) - Bob Harris The Music Broadcaster Award (Bronze) - Bob Harris Jim Moir approached Danny Baker and asked him if he wanted to replace Steve Wright on Saturday mornings (Steve was due to replace Ed Stewart on weekday afternoons). Danny, however, snubbed Moir's offer, stating "The time wasn't right". Adrian Love dies 10th March George Elrick dies 16 December .

Lesley Douglas appointed as Head Of Programmes Radio 2 April Dale Winton replaces Alan Freeman as host of Pick of the Pops Janice Long replaces Katrina Leskanich on the night-time show Richard Allinson On Saturday, 3.30 - 6.30pm Andy Peebles joins Radio 2 to present The Andy Peebles Soul Show on Wednesday nights. � Jan - Feb Comedy Showcase Thursdays 10.00pm Aug - July Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm.

2000 2000 Radio Programme Of The Year, Jonathan Ross Humphrey Lyttelton British Jazz Awards - Lifetime Achievement Sony Awards 2000 (for 1999) Lifetime Achievement Award Alan Freeman Music Presentation Award (Gold) Jonathan Ross Show Music Special Award (Gold) For Your Ears Only Robin Scott dies Album Chart Show presented by Simon Mayo on Mondays at 7.00pm Stacey Kent takes over Big Band Special 8 November The News Huddlines ends its 51st and final series December Sing Something Simple came off the air following the death of Cliff Adams 31 Dec Boy George hosts his first ever show on Radio 2 Boy George's New Year's Party" has been a regular since then, broadcasting from 2001 - 2004. Mar - May Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. Oct - Dec Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm.

2001 2001 Radio Personality Of The Year, Jonathan Ross Sony Awards 2001 (for 2000) Station Of The Year (UK) BBC Radio 2 The Music Broadcaster Award (Gold) - Stuart Maconie The Station Sound Award (Gold) BBC Radio 2 The Specialist Music Award (Gold) - A Beginner's Guide To Reggae The Music Programming Award - Daily (Silver) - Johnnie Walker Drivetime The Breakfast Music Award (Silver) - Wake Up To Wogan The Specialist Music Award (Bronze) - Paul Jones The Entertainment Award (Bronze) - Jonathan Ross Show The Music Special Award (Bronze) Paul Simon Solo - Born At The Right Time Terry Wogan Radio Academy award for 2000 Jonathon Ross Radio Personality of the Year The News Huddlines won the 2001 TRIC award for radio/digital programme of the year. Jimmy Young knighted January Russell Davies show extended to 5pm Andy Peebles left Radio 2.

Jimmy Young "retired from broadcasting" Dec'01 - Jan '02, July - Sept and Nov - Jan'03 Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. May - July Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm. 2002 Sony Awards 2002 (for 2001) Station Of The Year (UK) Radio 2 The Breakfast Award � Music (Gold) - Wake Up To Wogan The Specialist Music Award (Silver) - A Beginner�s Guide To Reggae The Entertainment Award (Silver) - The Jonathan Ross Show The Music Programming Award (Bronze) - The Critical List The Music Broadcast Award (Bronze) - Mark Lamarr Patrick Fyffe dies 11 May (Dame Hilda Bracket) 6 January Jeremy Vine takes on the 12-2.00pm slot (replacing Jimmy Young) March Sold On Song launched Sybil Ruscoe takes on the weekend overnight show following the departure of Lynn Parsons July - October Noel Edmonds joins Radio 2 as the interim host of Drivetime whilst Johnnie Walker is on sick leave.

This was the first time Noel had been on radio in over 20 years. 10 October Lesley Douglas appointed Controller of Radio 2 and 6Music Nov'02 - Jan'03 and July - Sept Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. There was also a Christmas day special at 12.30pm 2003 Sony Awards 2003 (for 2002) The 2002 Award (Gold) - Jonathan Ross The Music Broadcaster Award (Gold) - Paul Gambacinni The Entertainment Award (Gold) - Jonathan Ross The Music Programming Award (Silver) - Jonathan Ross The Breakfast Music Award (Silver) - Wake Up To Wogan Johnnie Walker in June announces he has cancer, but makes a good recovery Alan Keith dies 18 March. A repeat broadcast of Richard Baker's interview show "Alan Keith at 90".

Robin Boyle dies 25 July Bob Monkhouse dies 19th December 5 January Lesley Douglas assumes position of Controller of R2 and 6Music Richard Allinson On Saturday, 4.00-6.00pm 1st March Johnnie Walker returns to Drivetime 7 June Mark Radcliffe presents his first show, from 10.30pm, for R2 July Helen Mayhew joins R2 to present Big Band Special July/AugustCharles Hazlewood present a series on music relationships featuring pop (old and new) and classical (old and new) Sybil Ruscoe leaves Radio 2 and Charlie Jordan temporarily takes on the overnight weekend show July - September Dale Winton's Pick Of The Pops ends 3 September Mariella Frostrup presents Green Room 4 September Dermot O'Leary starts his Saturday show 2.00-4.00pm and Mark Lamarr starts his Alternative Sixties 7.30-8.30pm Bob Harris late Saturday show Helen Mayhew presents overnight Sat/Sun show 1.00-4.00am 5 September Elaine Paige's musicals show on Sundays starts, 1.00-

2.30pm.

Also Lulu's show 3.30-5.00pm Sundays 7 September Desmond Carrington moves to Tuesdays with The Music Goes Round, 7.00-8.00pm 2004 2004 Radio Personality Of The Year, Jonathan Ross Sony Awards 2004 (for 2003) The Outstanding Contribution Gold Award - Johnnie Walker The Weekly Music Show of the Year (Gold) - Jonathan Ross The Comedy Award (Silver) - Jammin' The Specialist Music Award (Bronze) - Mark Lamarr and producer Fiona Day (for A Beginner�s Guide To Reggae) The Breakfast Show Of The Year (Bronze) - Wake Up To Wogan The 'Music Special' Award (Bronze) - The History Of Psychedlia Radio 2 has 13 million listeners Hubert Gregg dies John Peel dies 25 October John Dunn dies 27 November Chris Evans fronts shows on 25th and 28th March 10 September Richard Allinson's last Saturday show 17 September Chris Evans starts his Saturday show 2.00-5.00pm, and Dermot O'Leary moves to 5.0

0-7.00pm September Lulu's show ends Dale Winton's Pick Of The Pops returns September/October Charles Hazlewood's second series on R2 December 2005 Ricky Gervais made his debut on Radio 2 (Christmas Eve and again on New Year's Eve) with two special Saturday afternoon shows.

2005 Terry Wogan awarded honorary knighthood Terry Wogan Radio Broadcaster Of The Year Jeremy Vine Sony Speech Broadcaster of the Year Charles Hazlewood appointed Principal Guest Conductor for the BBC Concert Orch. Charles Hazlewood Bronze Sony Music Broadcaster of the Year 2005 (mainly for his work on R3). Tommy Vance dies 6 March 15 Jan Aled Jones replaced Don Maclean on Good Morning Sunday; Don Maclean retired after almost 16 years of hosting the programme.

31 March Johnnie Walker hosted his last Drivetime show, with Sally Boazman and special guest Neil Diamond Stuart Maconie and John Inverdale each host 1 week of Drivetime Saturday 15 April: Stuart Maconie presented his last Critical List show Mark Lamarr began his late Friday/Saturday show on Radio 2 replacing Bob Harris (12.00 - 3.00am) and Paul O'Grady presented one-off show 2.00 - 5.00pm � Sunday 16 April: Helen Mayhew hosted her final show on Radio 2 (Sunday 1.00 - 4.00am) and Ed Stewart�presented his final ever show on Radio 2 and Liza Minnelli hosted a special one-off show 7.00 - 8.00pm. � Monday 17 April: Clare Teal replaced Helen Mayhew on Big Band Special at a new 9.00 - 9.30pm slot Tuesday 18 April: Chris Evans' Show replaced Johnnie Walker's Drivetime Show.

Saturday 22 April: Pete Mitchell made his debut on Radio 2, hosting two new weekend shows. Pete replaced Janey Lee Grace on Saturday mornings (3.00 - 6.00am) and Helen Mayhew on Sunday mornings (1.00 - 4.00am). Stuart Maconie took over the�Saturday afternoon slot (2.00 - 5.00pm) from Chris Evans and Paul Gambaccini got an extra half hour (7.00 - 9.00pm).� Sunday 23 April: Johnnie Walker replaced Ed Stewart on the Sunday 5.00 - 7.00pm slot from Saturday 2 September: Brian Matthew having time off due to illness. Johnnie Walker presented Sounds of The Sixties during Sept 2006 - Jan 2007 with stand-ins also by Sandie Shaw and Joe Brown Sunday 12 November: Michael Ball sitting in for Johnnie Walker's Sunday show till early 2007 Sunday 19 November: Russell Brand moved from BBC 6music to a new Saturday evening slot on Radio 2.

Saturday/Sunday schedule changed to: 16:30 Dermot O'Leary 20:00 Live and Exclusive / Documentary 21:00 Russell Brand 02:00 - 04:00 Pete Mitchell 17 December Sheridan Morley presented his last Melodies For You During March the BBC Radio 2 'Shows & Music' messageboard was swamped with hundreds of messages from fans unhappy at the appointment of Chris Evans to the Drivetime slot, and this hit the headlines in some media press. 2006 from webcast of Evans' first 5.00pm show October Paul Walters, Terry Wogan's long-time producer, died aged 59.

Biography and tributes at Paul Walters 1947-2006 Biography and tributes at UK Radio Academy Hall of Fame Alan Freeman 1927-2006 7, 14, 21 January Kicking the Establishment - Alan Titchmarsh presented a short series looking at the operatic careers of Gilbert and Sullivan 21 Jan the final Your 100 Best Tunes broadcast, presented by Richard Baker 21 January the final Sunday afternoon 'Art of the Songwriter Show', presented by Russell Davies, ending a traditional Sunday show going back to Benny Green's days, but see January 28. 28 January with the loss of Y100BT the Sunday schedule was re-arranged. Melodies For You returned, a longer show presented by Alan Titchmarsh, and Russell Davies' 'Art Of The Songwriter' moved to the 9.00pm slot. The Sunday p.m.

changes when POTP got half an hour more became: 1.30pm - 2.30pm Elaine Paige on musicals 2.30pm - 4.40pm Pick Of The Pops 4.30pm - 6.30pm Johnnie Walker Sunday Show 6.30pm - 8.30pm Alan Titchmarsh 'Melodies for You' 8.30pm - 9pm Sunday Half Hour 9pm - 10pm Russell Davies 11pm - midnight The David Jacobs Collection March It was announced that Humphrey Lyttelton would be off the air for a while and will only present his Best of Jazz for 26 weeks a year, at periods to be announced. This was one of many evening schedule changes announced. Several shows were moved earlier or later due to Mark Radcliffe moving to an earlier time and joined with Stuart Maconie.

April Dermot O'Leary sat in for Ken Bruce for several weeks 2 December Michael Parkinson broadcast his very last Sunday Supplement with special guest Ian McKellern and a playlist including his favourites Diana Krall, Jane Monheit, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Michael Buble, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra 2007 19:30 Friday Night Is Music Night 21:15 Book programme 21:30 Listen to the Band presented by Frank Renton 22:00 The Weekender presented by Matthew Wright Sheridan Morley died, 16 February 40th Birthday schedule on Sunday 30th Sept.

2007: 0900-0955 Breakfast Special With Paul Hollingdale 0955-1000 Five To Ten 1000-1100 Junior Choice With Ed Stewart 1100-1300 The Kenny Everett Radio Show,from 3/10/81 1300-1430 Family Favourites With Michael Aspel 1430-1630 Pick Of The Pops With Smashie And Nicey 1630-1830 Brian Matthew 1830-1930 Semprini Serenade, from 24/01/71 1930-2000 Round The Horne 2000-2030 Sing Something Simple, from 16/03/00 7 Jan Humphrey Lyttelton returned with a new three month series of The Best Of Jazz, Mondays 10.30pm. His last show was broadcast on 17 March 29 March Stuart Maconie presented his final Saturday show.

from Sat 5th April 2.00pm Dermot O'Leary 5.00 Paul Gambaccini 7.00 Documentary slot. Included Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour and Suzi Quatro�s Heroes Of Rock�n�Roll from Sun 6th April 11.00am - 1.00pm Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch from April midnight - 3.00am Janice Long show Simon Mayo's Music Club ended March. Trevor Nelson began his Soul Show 18 October an obscene phone-message prank against Andrew Sachs was broadcast on Russell Brand's Saturday evening show, featuring Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross. Only two complaints were received by the BBC at the time. The following week press articles appeared, drawing attention to the content of the show. By 29 October there had been 30,000 complaints.

28 October Russell Brand resigned 29 October Jonathan Ross suspended for 12 weeks 30 October R2 controller Lesley Douglas resigned 7 November R2's Dave Barber resigned 8 November R2 broadcast official BBC apologies at 10:03am and 9:10pm 16 November Radio 2 broadcast the last 'Dance Band Days' section of Malcolm Laycock's 'Sunday Night at 10' programme. The policy now is to not broadcast any pre-1940 British Dance Band Music, and ends the traditional 1/2 hour of Dance Band music begun by Alan Dell in 1972. 2008 Listen to the second BBC Apology Read the original articles that appeared in the press and on the BBC website: 13-15 January, 6-10 April Zoe Ball sat in for Ken Bruce 7, 14 February Pirate Johnnie Walker shows 4, 12 April Pirate Johnnie Walker shows (Pirate BBC Essex broadcast from ship LV18 at Harwich) 4 April - changes announced for weekend schedules and Comedy Hour moved to Thursday evenings 30 May Mo Dutta presented his last ever Radio 2 show.

� 31 May Pete Mitchell presented his last ever Radio 2 show.

6 June : Richard Allinson began his new weekend shows: Saturdays 3.00 - 6.00am; Sundays 2.00 - 5.00am � Zoe Ball began her new Saturday breakfast show 6.00 - 8.00am � Emma Forbes began her new Sunday breakfast show 5.00 - 7.00am Weekday daytime schedule from May 2009: 03:00am Alex Lester 08:00am Sound of the 60s with Brian Matthew 10:00am Jonathon Ross 1:00pm Pick of the Pops - Dale Winton 3:00pm Dermot O'Leary 6:00pm Alan Carr with co-host Emma Forbes 8:00pm Paul Gambaccini- America's Greatest Hits 10:00pm Documentary 11:00pm Bob Harris also: 20 May BBC announced that in future Jonathan Ross's Saturday Radio 2 show would be pre-recorded 26 July Malcolm Laycock announced that he was leaving Radio 2, bringing to an end any chance of a return of a British Dance Band music

 programme to Radio 2.

from August Sundays 10.00pm. Clare Teal presents a programme of big band sounds The Sunday schedule from August 2009: 02:00am Richard Allinson 11:00pm The David Jacobs Collection 00:00am Janice Long 03:00am Alex Lester 7 September Terry Wogan announced he was leaving Radio 2 at the end of 2009 and that in 2010 his replacement on the breakfast show will be Chris Evans. 15 September Press Office announced that Simon Mayo will present the Drivetime Show from 11 January 2010 Fridays 7.00pm, 20 Nov-18 Dec Brian Matthew presented the series The Bands That Mattered, short biographies with music and interviews, of four of the great leaders of British Dance bands in the 1930s. from December Sundays 10.00pm. Clare Teal playlists began to regularly feature records by British dance bands of the 1930s. 13 December Emma Forbes announced her Sunday Breakfast show had ended. She continues to co-host with Alan Carr on Saturdays.

Lynn Parsons sat in for Emma on Sundays 20, 27 Dec and 3 January 18 December after 27 years, Terry Wogan presented his last Wake Up With Wogan show 2009 06.00am-09.00am Aled Jones extended Sunday breakfast show Tuesdays from 6 April 7.00-8.00pm Jamie Cullum Jazz new regular jazz programme 10.00-11.00pm start of 4-part series of The Great American Songbook with Tony Bennett and Michael Parkinson Wednesdays from 7 April 10.00-11.00pm A-Z of AOR Bob Harris starts 6 part series on Album Oriented Rock Thursdays from 8 April 10.30-11.00pm new slot for Listen To The Band Frank Renton presents the best of brass music 11.00-12.00am 50 part series Tim Rice's American Pie history of popular music across the USA, starts with Washington state, presented by Tim Rice.

Fridays from 9 April 7.00-8.00pm new slot for Desmond Carrington's popular show The Music Goes Round and Around 8.00-10.00pm new time for Friday Night Is Music Night After Thursday 8 April, Radcliffe & Maconie lost their Thursday night show, replaced by Radio 2 in concert which features live sessions and other music. Early shows were presented by Jo Whiley and included live session/recordings from Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder. Thursdays from 15 April 7.00�8.00pm Bob Harris Country 8.00�10.00pm Radio 2 In Concert 10.00�10.30pm Nigel Ogden: The Organist Entertains 10.30�11.00pm Listen to the Band with Frank Renton 11.00-12.00am Tim Rice's American Pie 13 May According to the RAJAR figures the Chris Evans Breakfast Show attracted 9.5m listeners a week during the first quarter of 2010.

Second Quarter figures suggest loss of 1 million of those listeners. 24 May Mondays 11.00pm-midnight Big Band Special returned to Radio 2, concerts presented by Clare Teal. 13 July Tuesdays 11.00pm - 00.00am Bill Kenwright presenting Bill Kenwright's Golden Years playing the hits of the late 1950s and early 1960s 17 July Last ever Saturday show presented by Jonathon Ross. During summer the Saturday shows 10.00am - 1.00pm presented by Patrick Kielty until 25 September. August Holiday sit-ins included Zoe Ball for Ken Bruce, Chris Tarrant for Steve Wright, Liza Tarbuck for Simon Mayo. 13 August Sarah Kennedy presented her last 'Dawn Patrol' show on Radio 2. Her departure from Radio was announced 3 September while Lynn Parsons was sitting in during Sarah's holiday break from the show. Lynn Parsons continued to present 'The Early Breakfast Show' then Aled Jones, then Richard Allinson till end 2010.

2 October Saturdays 10.00am - 1.00pm Graham Norton became regular presenter. 6 November Tony Blackburn became the regular 'Pick Of The Pops' presenter on Saturdays. December Mark Lamarr announced he was leaving Radio 2 at end of 2010. 2010 2010 2010 7 January BBC Press Office announced that Jonathan Ross will not pursue a renewal of his contract with the BBC. Ross continued Friday Night and Film 2010 on BBC TV and his BBC Radio 2 Saturday show until July 2010. Moira Stuart began reading the news on the Chris Evans Breakfast programme from 11 January from January Richard Madeley sat in for Zoe Ball on Saturdays during her maternity leave Sir Terry Wogan on his first Sunday show 'Weekend Wogan' 15 February A review published by The BBC Trust includes "Radio 2 has a large audience who clearly love its output, but the review showed it must break out of the routine with its programming, in particular to be more distinctive during peak time".

Sir Michael Parkinson and Tony Bennett present the Great American Songbook On Bank Holiday Monday 31st May Tony Blackburn presented a one-off live show featuring the 60 Top Selling Hits of the 1960s. On Bank Holiday Monday 30 August 2010 presented another one-off live show featuring the top 100 million-selling UK singles. Photo of Sarah kindly provided by photographer Eleanor Bentall visit Eleanor's website at French & Saunders hosted three two-hour shows on Radio 2 over Christmas: Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Bank Holiday Monday, 3 January 2011. 7 January Friday/Saturdays 0.00 - 3.00am Bob Harris sitting in for the departed Mark Lamarr from 8 January 10.00 - 10.30pm Saturday evenings comedy sketch show, with various presenters e.g.

Roy Hudd and David Quantick, Barry Cryer, Jimmy Carr, Matt Lucas 17 January 05.00 - 06.30am weekday mornings Early Breakfast began, presented by Vanessa Feltz 23 March The last evening Radcliffe & Maconie show 1st/2nd April Huey Morgan began his Friday/Saturday night 0.00-03.00am show of new pop/rock mix of music 4 April Jo Whiley began her regular evenings 8.00-9.30pm Mon - Wed show of new pop/rock and album tracks. Jo also continues her Thursday R2 in Concert show 2011

Question: Who presents the Radio 2 Wednesday night folk music show?
Answer: Mike Harding