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| | Sunday, 22 December, 2002, 20:43 GMT Sir Jimmy Young: Your views  Sir Jimmy Young joined Radio 2 in 1973 Sir Jimmy Young, a stalwart of BBC broadcasting, bids a final farewell to his listeners in his last show for Radio 2 on Friday. The 81-year-old's departure was marred by accusations of ageism at the corporation - the veteran made it clear that he did not want to give up his lunchtime slot. Young had agreed to do a weekend show for the radio station after leaving his 12 to 2pm show but then decided to leave the BBC altogether. BBC News Online users sent in their thoughts on Sir Jimmy's departure. I'm sorry to see JY go. His programme's a bright spot of my day. Other than the Sunday schedule, Radio 2 is leaving me behind. Best wishes to Sir Jimmy. I have listened to Jim since I was 18, - 34 yrs ago, and he has been a great friend although I have never actually met him: he must carry on somehow, somewhere. JY (sorry Sir Jimmy) has had a most distinguised broadcasting career, why is he being forced out? I am still smarting that Steve Wright was replaced by Woss on Saturday. But we are mere listeners and licence fee payers. No-one would ask our thoughts. Dumbing down - BBC. Good luck to Jeremy Vine, I am sure in about 40 years he will be as popular as JY is today. Dear Jimmy I've only been a regular listener to your show since losing my job fourteen months ago, but my 90-year-old mum, who sadly passed away in July was an ardent fan. I want to thank you for brightening up the middle of the day for this lovely, alert lady who had been housebound for more than ten years. Your interviewing technique is second-to-none and I will never forget when Tony Blair was on the hotspot; I had to sit in my car and listen to the very end ... riveting stuff! Well done in your illustrious career. It's a clich�, but you are indispensable and will be sorely missed. Sorry to hear you are giving up completely.
As a listener and a viewer, the only things that interests me are the quality of the presentation, the programme and the information and Jimmy Young is top notch for all of these things. There are many older presenters out there - former BBC names - who are never seen on the BBC nowadays. It is short-sighted and patronising to assume that viewers (even young ones) are only interested in youthful good-looking presenters. Congratulations to Channel 5 for its recent series of reports with older reporters. I hope Jimmy Young goes to a rival broadcaster and blows Radio 2 out of the water in the ratings. Good luck Jim, you will be badly missed. I have listened to you since the beginning, I even remember when you had your hit records! I wish the person taking over the best of luck - he will need it!!! It's about time, I listen to all shows on Radio 2, but this show does not fit the profile of the younger listener. This is the only show that has me reaching for another channel.....
Ian Hislop, Scotland The BBC has acted in an appalling way. Jim is the best in his field and has many years of broadcasting ahead of him. I'm sure he'll be snapped up by another radio station and start a new career. All the best Jim. We'll miss you! Gary Sorry to see you go Jim Boy. For all the years you've been broadcasting I've been listening - as a rep on the road and almost every day except Thursday (don't like cooking). You have been something very special and tactful as well as amusing with your old mate Wogan. The essence of a good man deep down. I hope David Vine will be half as good and I wish him well. Don't get lost forever. Dear Jim, I am so very sad to see you leaving. I am also very angry at the way you appear to have been treated by the BBC, they have made a big mistake, the replacement being brought in will be totally wrong for the show, it'll be too boring to bother with anyway. Well Jim I can only thank you for the many years of superb broadcasts we have been lucky enough to listen to. And whatever you do in the future may you enjoy as much as we've enjoyed your company. God Bless. I can imagine the BBC have been wondering how to get rid of him for years - he's outdated, rude and he should have gone years ago.
Graham, England The only sensible thing for Jim Moir to do despite his own success on the network is resign himself. He has acted to depose a highly professional and distiguished broadcaster. JY's reputation goes before him and I really hope he finds a new home to take his loyal listeners to. This is a very very sad day for 90% (or even more than that) of Radio Two's listeners. Good Luck JY and I will follow you wherever you turn up. The departure of Jimmy Young is a great shame. The BBC must be mad to cause this to happen. It certainly is against the wishes of millions of listeners. What happened to the slogan "It's your BBC?" Sir Jimmy has a wealth of experience - not least as an excellent interviewer. I'm only half his age but think the BBC is being ageist! The BBC is certainly not what is used to be, unfortunately, and this is just another example! I can't believe that the BBC is getting rid of one of it's most popular radio show hosts. I enjoy listening to JY and he has just said that it's not his idea to go. I thought the government was trying to encourage us all to work longer. Why are they making Jimmy Young, (one of the best examples of an older person carrying on a useful and exacting career), retire from the BBC then? He's far more interesting than some of the other presenters and attracts a huge audience. This decision should be changed, immediately. I am sorry to say this but Radio 2 was correct to dump Jimmy Young. To pretend otherwise is to denigrate all the work that has been done to bring the station back to its premier position. Terry Wogan will stay at breakfast because his show and team have evolved and stay relevant. Any presenter or show that does not will go, it is inevitable. I can think of no national station where Jimmy Young can go, possibly Saga or Classic Gold, but I doubt it. Let him remain a legend and let radio move on.
But most importantly, the show brings with it the reactions of five-and-a-half million listeners, who play their part; the show would be empty without these responses. The programme's loss dulls the informative, questioning edge of popular British broadcasting. JY has every right to feel peeved. It is a sad day for the BBC to elect to retire Sir Jimmy today. His interviewing is second to none,and he will sorely missed by his thousands of fans. Good luck in your retirement Jim and thank you for all your excellent programmes. It's a disgrace to get rid of Jimmy Young. We're to believe this is to appeal more to younger listeners but I'm in my thirties and cannot think of a more appropriate, entertaining and interesting interviewer. Jeremy Vine is two-dimensional by comparison. Shame on Jim Moir. He's lost a listener here. As one of the younger audience that Radio 2 have sought to attract in recent years, I have been listening to JY on and off since I was 16. His humour and interviewing style will be sadly missed. Jim Moir has done an excellent job in revitalising Radio 2, but if the assumption is that only younger presenters can attract a younger audience, I believe that he is sadly mistaken. It is time for Jimmy Young to retire, he is well past the age of retirement and someone younger should be given the opportunity. You were great Jimmy, loved the shows, but time to go. Jimmy, you not only have a great radio voice and manner, you also have the gift to make current affairs issues both informative and entertaining. Happy Retirement - we'll miss you! Dear Jimmy, So he's 81....so what...he still runs circles around others half his age. Shame on you BBC.
Chris, Oxford, UK A great guy. I've been a listener since he was on Radio 1 in the seventies. There are none like him today BFN to JY and I'm afraid that as far as I'm concerned it'll soon be BFN to Radio 2 (I've listened for almost 20 years)as it doesn't do anything for me anymore. Still there's always Classic FM. It's a shame the BBC takes these decisions about programmes the public enjoy. Is it true we pay the licence fee and is it true we should have a say in what we like to listen to. We moaned about the Classic Serial and despite that it is still on and still booring us to death. Poor Pam Ayres was 'pushed' from her Sunday afternoon programme, which I know thousands of people enjoyed. Whose BBC is it? JY I only started to listen to you 4 years ago and you are a gem. I may be only 21 years old and the younger radio presenters aren't on the same par as you. Oft you go and enjoy the future. He should have gone years ago. Today he played the same record twice, mispronounced the artist's name and gave politicians an easy ride. John Inverdale did the show much better, and displayed a sense of humour sadly missing in the JY's prog. British Radio 2, 3 and 4 - I only wish we had quality stations like those in the USA - Jimmy Young had a great show and I used to love listening to his show when I lived in the UK. Our best regards go out to him. I listened to JY every day, usually while doing the housework. He was an integral part of the day, especially for retired folk such as myself. Like Jimmy, I'm in my 80s, and genuinely do not know what to listen to now. Other than Ken Bruce and Terry Wogan, I can't really relate to any of the other Radio 2 presenters. What are us pensioners supposed to listen to now? The music and the topics of discussion on JY's show catered to our tastes. It was clearly very popular, because I could never get through! When I heard he was leaving I though 'good luck to him', but now I hear he's been forced out, I find it very sad. Bless you JY. You will be missed.
Phil Thomas, UK The pleasure of listening to Jimmy Young interview politicians and opinion-makers is that unlike others (such as Jeremy Paxman, the awful Brian Hayes, etc) he doesn't need to be argumentative to get the answers, he doesn't push his own opinions forward, nor does he talk down to his audience - he is the consumate interviewer. I will give Jeremy Vine a chance, but he has some very big shoes to fill. Boo, BBC! A younger Radio 2? Isn't Radio 1 young and "krazy" enough already? You can't tell me that people are yearning for more of that! I'm 21 and I really enjoy the mix of presenters at Radio 2 from Wogan to Young to Ross.Why does something perfect have to be changed? Perhaps the powers that be need to remember that content before packaging is key. Who cares if someone is 81 or 21 if what they are saying (especially on a radio show) is content rich and interesting! I visit this site each day for the content, not the looks! I hope Jim is happy in whatever he moves on to now... hopefully a nice relaxing Christmas :) Who ever is making these decisions at R2 needs to be got rid of. It's only worth listening to the station now on Sundays...don't let it get as bad as Radio 1. Good luck Jimmy! I used to listen to Radio 2 at work when I was 18 until I was 20 2 years ago. I admit that daytime Radio 2 was not to my taste but I enjoyed some of it as background noise. However I used to find Jimmy Young's show stood out as very irritating and out of touch. I even found it very offensive and it deeply upset me on numerous occasions. At any opportunity I possibly could I turned it off. He was probably a talented broadcaster in his time and it's a shame when anyone is made to retire against their will. But he came across as outdated and bigoted whenever I heard him. I wish him luck for the future but I'm personally glad that I won't hear him again. I'm truly sad to hear the last programme by JY. He has kept me informed and been good company whilst at my desk working away. He is an unseen friend and I am almost ashamed to say I felt a little tearful as he singed off BFN for the last time. I wish him well and am disappointed in the BBC for pushing him out. If we can't rely on auntie beeb who can we rely on?
Stephen Mogg, UK JY sounded just as bright on his last programme as he alwas did. What a shame that the BBC has forced him to leave. Is that the modern face of broadcasting? I hope that I am as "with it" as he is when I am 81. Parting is such sweet sorrow and I think the BBC have done the listeners of Radio 2 a great injustice. With over 5 million listeners each day! Don't we have any say in the matter? I notice that there is no listeners vote on this story, hum, I wonder why? Are the BBC frightened of the result they would get?! Well, Jim farewell to you and great success in what ever you do next. You will be sorely missed and the BBC will learn the hard way that getting rid of its favourite presenter is one of the biggest mistakes it will make this decade. I know for a fact that in our household your replacement won't be on. Good luck. The popularity of the Radio 2 brand is made up from the warmth of those that project from within it. Where is the evidence that Sir Jimmy's time should be up? I am saddened that, in an effort to be "current" this fair and reasonable man has been sidelined (as I believe to be the case). What makes JY great is that he clearly loves what he is doing. What you lot seem to be ignoring is that most of us do too! One question: Why?
I feel I have to write to add my views that after such a distinguished career, I am saddened and indeed slightly appalled at the way the BBC has treated Sir Jimmy Young. When will you realise that he was part of what made the service great and helped you gain the reputation of the world's best broadcasting corporation? Now sadly you seem only to concentrate on the short term, and the quick buck with so much of your programming. When you look back and discover we have nothing better to offer than anyone else, you will only have yourselves to blame. What we need is variety, not conformity, Jimmy not only entertained, he informed and how many of your current programmes do that? So well done, before long you will make the same mistake you did with Radio 1 and your audience share will slip into a distant memory. Congratulations BBC, you've lost one of the jewels in your crown, please don't turn Radio 2 into yet another fond memory. Thank goodness for that, so when is it Terry's turn?! I'm 31 so presumably one of the younger listeners Jim Moir is trying to attract. And yet I was and remain a big fan of JY and John Dunn, both of whom have been pushed out or allowed to walk away. The quality of both had not diminished and they always attracted top quality guests. Sorry Jim Moir, I am not happy with what has been put in to replace them both. Sad to see you ousted out Sir, you will never be replaced. The BBC has had many successes in its history, both with people and shows. It doesn't deserve any credit however, the success is in spite of its efforts rather than because of them. Never mind Jim, join the list of radio greats and be proud of your achievements. I've never heard anything so unprofessional and self pitying as the speach made by J. Young today. No one has a god given right to plough on in the same job, year after year without the need for some sort of change, especially in public service broadcasting. Take it on the chin Jimmy, you've had a fair innings, let someone take over and continue the good work the station has made recently in updating and improving its content.
Janet Richards, England Like many of the comments above, I too will very much miss "our Jim". I personally think that he has a great sense of humour and he so obviously enjoyed all that he did on his programme. I don't think that his age has anything to do with his ability to present a great show. There are many younger presenters who appear to be slow-witted and ga-ga when put up against J.Y. Now I fear that instead of turning over to Radio 4 at 2pm as I do now (to miss the infantile rubbish thrown at us until 5pm) I will probably, out of spite, turn over at 12pm. We don't want another R1. We want the balance and the fun that is OUR R2. (well until 2pm anyway). Good luck to you Sir Jim. I hope that at least they give you a wonderful send-off. Thank you for all the enjoyment and the information that has been the J.Y. Prog. I would like to pay tribute to Jimmy Young who made his lunch time programme so lively and alive. I really missed him when he was off sick and cannot understand why he needs to be replaced. As usual the BBC does not listen to its listeners and I would like to add that I will not be looking forward to the lunchtime slot again, that's if I listen at all. Good luck to Sir Jimbo with his book and with anything else that he does. He will be sorely missed on the BBC but that is their loss. When I worked from home between 1978 and 1985 it was just me and Jimmy Young each week day morning - I couldn't have been in better company. Good luck Jim. Chris from Oxford says that since I do not like JY I must therefore adulate Jonathan Ross. A strange logic... I think that both presenters are in their own way offensive. They should keep their opinions to themselves and concentrate on spinning the discs like Peel or Harris. If you want "debate", listen to Four or 5 live. It is a sad day for the listening public. Again the BBC has not listened to its listeners. We do not want to listen to someone younger or who has a more modern outlook, we listen to R2 because we like it the way it is, Jimmy Young has been a part of the BBC for more years than I care to remenber and you are making a big mistake in replacing him. If Sir Jimmy is not ready to retire then you should keep the format the way it is for as long as he wishes to continue. BBC2 listeners do not like change. We all have to move with the times but if its not broken, why fix it? Well done Jimmy, whilst I respect the years of service put in, it is time to throw in the towel and allow Radio 2 to increase the listening figures. Please reconsider JY. Personally, I'd, like to see you take over from some of those completely useless presenters on Top of the Pops! Sir Jimmy, You are a complete professional. So what if you are more senior in years than others - no body can do what you do better so what was the point in making you leave. You are part of that thing that makes Britain great and Britain is diminished without you on the air waves. On the bright side you have a fantastic career still ahead of you doing whatever you want to. Good luck for the future and God Bless
Anon, United Kingdom Dear Sir Jimmy, I'm not sure how to add to the many thousands of messages you have been receiving, but I would feel terrible if I didn't let you know how very sad I am that I will not hear your programme again after today. I have been listening from the late 1970s and have not only learned so much from you and your guests, but also been cheered up at some very difficult times by your positive attitude to life, and not least by your banter with Terry Wogan and Ken Bruce! The reassuring sense of something permanent you have given with the knowledge that you were there throughout the year will be sorely missed. Even though you don't know me, I feel as though I know you. Thank you for all you have given me and millions of others over the years, and may you continue to find fulfilment and happiness in the future � I hope to hear you again some day! I can't help but read all these messages and think that they are all just nostalgia. I too grew up listening to Jimmy Young and although I agree with the many listeners who see him as legend in his own right I think that there comes a time when change is needed. I have also listened to Jeremy Vine and think that after a while we will become just as accustomed to him as we have done JY's. Is it possible that all those people who think that Jonathon Ross and Co purile and stupid should maybe consider listening to bah humbug fm. Thank you Jimmy but as the saying goes "the king is dead, long live the king!" Happy retirement JY. It is people like Sir Jimmy who made the BBC such an important part of British life. It's just a shame that the Corporation's leadership takes such a high handed approach and is constantly telling its viewers and listeners what they want, rather than listening to our views. Shame on Jim Moir and the BBC. What a disgraceful way to treat a broadcasting legend. For ageists above, you may want your guests to leave, but it's all about how you see them out. Jimmy's got class. He's 81 for God's sake. He's the Ken Barlow of the Radio World. They need an excuse to get rid of him as he is a national braodcasting stalwart. He should have gone out in style, not the miserable, angry and pitied voice that we heard. Good luck to him, but it's about time. Even though I now live in the USA, I am sorry to hear that Jim is leaving. I am sure many will regret this & miss him. I wish him well. Jim has had a marvellous career and has done well & is now 81. It is not a bad age to retire. To see you go like this is a tragedy, Jimbo. Your 5 or 6 million listeners salute your wonderful performances, which we have sadly missed over the six months, and now have lost for ever. Good luck in your new career(s) Goodbye Jim, you will be sorely missed. Thanks for years of well-balanced views, interviews and amusement. Truly a hard act to follow. Good luck.
Russell, UK Loved Jimmy Young but why didn't Brian get the job? What a dishy voice and no nonense manner! Jeremy Vine is divine as well, but will have to work on the voice, me thinks! Not sure if this Jimmy Young referred to by the people here is the same one I heard a few times on Radio 2 - the one I heard sounded like a knee-jerking bigot who had no interest in the facts and put his own spin on every story going. Good riddance. Maybe he'll get a job as a politician, it would suit someone like him perfectly. I for one, will no longer bother to listen to Radio 2 at lunchtime. The station only ever had two things to offer - Jimmy Young at lunchtime and Terry Wogan at breakfast - how long before you push out your early morning asset? Outdated, generally rude and representative of a time when it was acceptable to be narrow-minded. A progressive move for Radio 2 which can now shed its image as the oldies station. Thank heaven someone at Radio Two finally had the courage to push JY after it became apparent he would never jump. His style has become increasingly irritating and irrelevant. I'll be delighted to listen to the new presenters as I always enjoyed the show when JY was on holiday. Thanks from a satisfied listener. A sad day, a sad decision, a sad BBC. Do they not listen to the listners? Apparently not... and we are but the licence payers! Good luck Sir Jim... you are a hard act to follow. Jim Moir should be sacked or worse...sent to BBC Oxford (he won't last). My late father was an ardent JY fan and listened every day and would usually come home with some interesting piece of news that he had heard on the JY prog. I think that people should be allowed to carry on working and give pleasure to many, as long as they are able. Getting rid of JY BIG mistake, who will be next - Alan Keith, he's a lot older, is this an age thing? Thanks Jim for all those years of making the most apparantly mundane subjects interesting with your incisive questioning and natural presentation. I feel as though I've lost a friend today. A friend who could always be relied upon to produce an interesting, educational and cheerful interlude in the middle of the dullest of days. Jeremy Vine may be capable in his own way, but where's the personality? Sorry JY, but you are not as good as you once were, not an age thing, just a fact. Now the Beeb should turn their attentions to getting rid of David Frost who is, arguably, worse. I'm happy that new talent is coming on, JY had a good innings. On the whole, ok, but did lean to right wing politics on his show, sucking up to Thatcher let him down in my eyes. It is sad when a great British institution finally comes to an end but there is a time to stay and a time to go and although I enjoyed the JY programme, I do feel that times are changing and indeed under Jim Moir, Radio 2 has changed for the better (apart, I might add from the appalling programming on Sundays). His programme was informative and interesting with up to the minute subjects and I feel that Jeremey Vine is a worthy successor. After all, he is only one initial away from JY! Good luck in your retirement, Jim. I agree entirely with Martin Kelly, this is our BBC and we would liked to be consulted over such major changes, you've got the technology with web sites and phone-ins, are those in charge not prepared to act on the listeners democratic choice? There comes a time for all of us to move on, whatever that may entail. I listen to Radio 2 every day, but the JY programme was always the one that had me reaching to re-tune. Styles change, JY didn't - that's the problem. Ageism occurs most frequently when people cease to change, yet change is what keeps life (and radio) interesting. I am staggered, I had thought Sir Jimmy wanted to retire, now I find it is all part of the dumbing down of the BBC! The sentimental, ill informed tripe that I have to listen to from Steve Wright in the afternoon and on Sundays is invading the organisation. What next? Will Wogan and Parkinson be "let go", to be replaced by some wittering idiot? For goodness sake let us keep the people we want, not what is deemed good for us!! A younger image is fine in theory but the listeners want Sir Jimmy Young, it used to be "Our BBC" but that can't be true now can it? The way Sir Jimmy has been treated by the BBC is nothing short of a disgrace. I'm 19, and I'm not the slightest bit interested in the age of the presenters on Radio 2, or any other station for that matter, it is the ability to do the job that counts, and Sir Jimmy proved today when interviewing Ann Widdecombe that he was certainly as sharp as ever. Sir Jimmy is a witty and bright man with potentially many, many years of broadcasting ahead of him. I've nothing against Jeremy Vine at all and I wish him the very best of luck, but for goodness sake will the BBC stop this ridiculous age discrimination that extends to everyone from newsreaders to sports commentators? Well, I must disagree with the majority or writers here. I emigrated from the k,k,krazy world of Radio 1 a while ago, but had to turn off JY and listened to the fabulous Mark and Lard. I found JY completely patronising and loaded all interviews with his own opinion far too readily. As for his skills in between the easy interviews someone really ought to have told him how some band names and artists ought to be pronounced. Although obviously a seasoned broadcaster this is no reason to keep him on - move over and bring on someone new. Radio 2 are trying to attract younger listeners by removing Jimmy Young. Well I'm 23 and I wanted him to stay! I'd follow him if he broadcasts from another station. I have listened to JY for many years and I am only 44 so why is it that the "management" say that they are trying for a younger audience when they already have it? Bad decision BBC! Farewell Jim, I for one will miss the lunch time prog and am not sure whether I will continue to listen at that time. Jim's probably best off out of it, good luck to him I say. I detect shades of Radio 1 back in 1993 when all the best and most experienced presenters were ousted to leave a severely impoverished Radio station. Please, not Wogan and Walters next! One of the best things about Radio 2 is its variety. Jimmy's style is not everyone's taste but no one can really say truthfully that he isn't the best at what he does whatever age he is. Radio 2's variety is its spice. I tune out on Sunday afternoon and Friday evening but I don't resent that - it's only right that everyone should get their choice at some point. Jimmy has been part of that variety. I think, given that Jeremy Vine is coming in to take his place, that the show's format should should remain. I am concerned that all the regular guests are leaving too. Remember, BBC management, that, through the licence fee, we pay for Radio 2 and we also pay your salaries!! The ghost of Matthew Banister's controller incarnation seems to be stirring again and it's worrying. I'm sorry the BBC have undervalued JY's skills as an entertainer and interviewer across such a wide range of topics. His stand in , who lacked the warmth, and frequently interupted his guests, demonstrated how few people are as accomplished as Sir Jimmy on the radio. Shame on you BBC, if it ain't broke don't fix it. So many times I have listened to JY interviewing someone and said to my radio -Why don't you ask him/her .......? - and that has been the next question. It was uncanny how much in touch JY was with his listeners and what they wanted to hear. I have been a fan since the beginning and I'm disgusted with the way we have been ignored. Our BBC - really? Not mine! He was one of a kind, but let's face it, at 81 does he really want to carry on working? I will not be listening to televisions Jeremy Vine in the New Year. His try out was pathetic. The management at Radio 2 must be bonkers. Thanks Jim for some great interviews (better than anything on Newsnight)and a really entertaining prog. JY's last show was up to his usual high standards but it was also very moving. The dignity with which he ended the programme was admirable and even his closing words were almost poetic. I hope Jimmy finds a new station for his programme or he and the BBC come to their senses and give him a two slots at the weekend for a new show. All the best, Jimmy. Great gentleman and brodcaster. However, life does go on. Ask Sir Jimmy how he got his first break in show biz. Ask him to pass his learning and ideas to those who wish to step on the first rung. C�mon everyone- the guy was 81! His show came rather too close to an audio version of the Daily Mail for me, jumping on the issue of the day with the white middle aged, middle classes proclaiming how "outrageous" it is and how they are "disgusted" at [insert issue here]. Radio 2 is not a pensioners� station, it�s an easy listening station for everyone and has to move with the times. Five million listeners is just too many, so why not get rid of the host and drop the listening numbers by a few million. It worked for Radio 1. Good Luck Jimmy. As always the people in charge are fools. First John Dunn, now Sir Jimmy, Watch out Tel & Bruce!!! The time of day I switch from R2 to Capital Gold is getting earlier each year. Best of luck for the future JY as the majority of comments prove, you will be sorely missed. Hopefully we'll see the back of Terry Wogan as well now who has annoyed the pants off me for the best part of 30 years as well because there's always one person in the house who insists on listening to his childish south east of England sense of humour. How about Steve Wright in the morning guys, now that would be something worth getting up for. Sad to see a Radio 2 stalwart go ... but however much people protest, Jim Moir knows that furore about changes never lasts - and also that a Radio station which remains static dies. I will miss the familiarity of hearing JY ... but only because I'm used to hearing him. Within a few days of starting up in the slot, I'm sure Jeremy Vine will become a familiar voice and really it's how a broadcaster conducts a programme as opposed to who the broadcaster is that really matters. All that said, I would be devastated if I didn't get my daily dose of Wogan early each day! When Wogan left R2, he was replaced on an interim basis by Colin Berry (who is a very good newsreader but too bland to front a programme)... everyone was relieved to have Ken Bruce on the Breakfast Show after that! Good luck to Jimmy though for the future. I was very upset to hear him sounding so bitter during his last programme today. He undid all the "serious" broadcasting of past years by being considerably less than professional at the end ... echoes of David Symonds! I feel that his show needed some change but his talent is very strong and so he should be encouraged to do another format of shot at another time. He should be very pleased that he has top slot in peak time boradcasting on the UK's most popular station, rather than complaining that Radio 2 wants something new. Does he expect the BBC to keep him in top spot until he dies? Sour grapes Jimmy, but a great talent, you should be proud. Come off it - he was just a disc jockey. None of us has right to go on for ever however talented or popular we may be. We of more mature years have a responsibility to nurture and encourage the younger ones to take our places and to improve on what we have done. I am disappointed that he went so gracelessly - he could have bowed out with style. Instead he left in the manner of a man with an over-inflated ego and sense of his own importance. I have had the honour of appearing on the JY prog twice -- once with Jimmy Young, the other time with Jeremy Vine. Both are consummate professionals, each in his own way. When I appeared with JY I was a very young, nervous science journalist talking about human genetics. I admired the way JY cued everything up, interacted with his producers and still asked the most relevant questions. Ever sharp, always on the ball. And he went out of his way to be friendly and make me feel at home. But all things must pass, I guess, and having appeared with Jeremy Vine I know he'll do a great job... even though he has the hardest act to follow. As an interviewer, possibly second to none - actually got answers from the people he interviewed - even the politicians!! As an entertainer, always the total professional. I am sure he will continue to attract "audiences" whether through newspapers, theatres or any other avenue he chooses. Have made a point of listening to the prog since 1973 and lunchtimes will never be the same again. May you yet go on to even greater things JY. Meanwhile I shall keep listening to my recently acquired copy of the sig tune (Towntalk) in the hope that you (and it) may take to the air once again. It is the end of an era, losing the services of Sir Jimmy is something the BBC cannot afford. I, for one, will switch to Classic FM, where the presenters seem to have a little of JY's ability to appear to be old friends. It is just another sign of the dumbing down of the BBC which has been apparent ever since Birt took control and has continued under Dyke. The only programme which tempts me to listen to the beeb is now at 9.00pm on sundays. Thank goodness for Alan Keith, another 'good old'un'. Tony B Anyway, now that JY has gone, can't someone PLEASE do something about that irritating old codger who presents a show on Sunday evening sounding as though he has several ounces of boiled sweets stuffed into his cheeks?! | |
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I wish the person taking over the best of luck - he will need it!!! 
