Bob Harris to step down from Radio 2 after 56 years on air

Bob Harris to step down from Radio 2 after 56 years on airJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMark SavageMusic correspondentBBCBob Harris has been broadcasting for the BBC since 1970Broadcasting legend Bob Harris has announced he is leaving BBC Radio 2, weeks after revealing his prostate cancer has spread to his spine.The DJ, who has been on the airwaves since 1970, told listeners he was "so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realised that I must concentrate now on getting myself well again". "This has been one of the hardest decisions of my entire life," he added.Harris started his career as a club DJ in the 1960s, before co-founding the listings magazine Time Out. In 1972, he became the host of the award-winning TV show Old Grey Whistle Test, establishing his reputation as a champion of new music. He has been a fixture at BBC Radio 2 since 1996, as a presenter of station's Country Show. In 2024, he also replaced Johnny Walker on the Sounds of the 70s show.In an emotional message posted on Radio 2's social accounts, the presenter - affectionately known as "Whispering" Bob Harris - thanked the BBC and his listeners for their support."It's incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much. "I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I'm grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way."I am so proud that The Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds of the 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life."But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I've ever done, and it's all been beca...