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BBC Radio 2 commenced broadcasting on September 30, 1967, succeeding the BBC Home Service.
Answer: False
Explanation: The assertion is factually incorrect. BBC Radio 2 was launched on September 30, 1967, but it replaced the BBC Light Programme, not the BBC Home Service.
The inaugural record played on BBC Radio 2 was a composition by The Beatles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first record broadcast on BBC Radio 2 was not by The Beatles. It was the title track from the film 'The Sound of Music,' performed by Julie Andrews.
Upon its launch, BBC Radio 2 utilized mediumwave frequencies, while BBC Radio 1 was assigned longwave and FM.
Answer: False
Explanation: The frequency allocation was reversed. BBC Radio 2 inherited the longwave and FM frequencies from the BBC Light Programme, while BBC Radio 1 was assigned the mediumwave frequencies.
In its initial years, BBC Radio 2 adopted a programming strategy focused on contemporary music to rival pirate radio stations.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. BBC Radio 1 was established to target younger audiences with contemporary music, directly competing with pirate stations. BBC Radio 2 was positioned as a middle-of-the-road station for a broader adult audience.
"Needle time" restrictions, imposed by the Musicians' Union, limited the amount of live music stations could broadcast.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'needle time' restrictions imposed by the Musicians' Union limited the amount of *recorded* music that radio stations could broadcast, necessitating the inclusion of more live or specially recorded music.
BBC Radio 2 began broadcasting 24 hours a day in January 1975.
Answer: False
Explanation: January 1975 saw a reduction in BBC Radio 2's broadcasting hours due to budget cuts. The station achieved 24-hour national broadcasting status on January 27, 1979.
What was the original broadcast service replaced by BBC Radio 2 upon its launch in 1967?
Answer: BBC Light Programme
Explanation: Upon its inception on September 30, 1967, BBC Radio 2 took over the broadcasting frequencies and programming mandate of the BBC Light Programme.
Which artist performed the inaugural record played on BBC Radio 2?
Answer: Julie Andrews
Explanation: The very first musical track broadcast on BBC Radio 2 was Julie Andrews' rendition of the title song from the film 'The Sound of Music'.
How did the programming of BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2 initially differ?
Answer: Radio 1 targeted younger audiences with contemporary music, while Radio 2 was middle-of-the-road.
Explanation: BBC Radio 1 was established to cater to a younger demographic with contemporary pop and rock music, directly challenging pirate radio. BBC Radio 2 adopted a 'middle-of-the-road' format, appealing to a broader adult audience with a diverse mix of popular music, easy listening, and light classical.
What were "needle time" restrictions?
Answer: Limitations imposed by the Musicians' Union on the amount of recorded music broadcast.
Explanation: "Needle time" referred to contractual limitations imposed by the Musicians' Union that restricted the amount of recorded music radio stations could broadcast, compelling them to feature more live or specially recorded performances.
When did BBC Radio 2 become the UK's first national 24-hour radio station?
Answer: January 27, 1979
Explanation: BBC Radio 2 achieved the status of the United Kingdom's first national 24-hour radio station on January 27, 1979.
What was the initial target audience for BBC Radio 2 upon its launch in 1967?
Answer: A broad adult audience seeking middle-of-the-road programming.
Explanation: Upon its launch in 1967, BBC Radio 2 was positioned as a middle-of-the-road station, designed to appeal to a wide adult demographic with a diverse selection of popular music.
The primary music genre featured on BBC Radio 2 is contemporary classical music.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Radio 2's programming is characterized by a broad spectrum of 20th and 21st-century popular music, rather than exclusively contemporary classical music. Its repertoire includes pop, rock, soul, jazz, folk, and easy listening genres.
In April 1986, Frances Line repositioned BBC Radio 2 to target listeners exclusively under the age of 30.
Answer: False
Explanation: Frances Line's repositioning strategy in April 1986 aimed to target listeners *over* the age of 50, not under 30. This involved curating playlists and presenters for an older demographic.
The 1986 music policy change, targeting older listeners, led to an increase in BBC Radio 2's overall audience figures.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the 1986 policy successfully appealed to its target demographic of older listeners, it alienated younger audiences, leading to a decrease in overall audience figures, not an increase.
In 1990, BBC Radio 2 lost its FM frequency to accommodate the launch of BBC Radio 5.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1990, BBC Radio 2 lost its *medium wave* frequency to facilitate the launch of BBC Radio 5. Its FM frequency remained operational.
The launch of Classic FM in 1992 prompted BBC Radio 2 to increase its classical music programming.
Answer: False
Explanation: Conversely, the introduction of Classic FM in 1992 led BBC Radio 2 to *reduce* the amount of light classical music featured in its schedule.
James Moir's 1996 strategy involved a daytime playlist focused on Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) for a mature audience.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1996, James Moir implemented a strategy that featured a daytime playlist centered on AOR and contemporary music, specifically targeting a more mature audience compared to BBC Radio 1.
Specialist music programming on weekday evenings typically airs between 8:00 PM and midnight.
Answer: False
Explanation: The timing for specialist music programming on weekday evenings has evolved. It now typically occupies the 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM slot, rather than the historical 8:00 PM to midnight timeframe.
Frances Line's 1986 music policy shift aimed to reposition BBC Radio 2 for which demographic?
Answer: Listeners exclusively over 50
Explanation: The strategic repositioning undertaken by Frances Line in 1986 specifically targeted listeners aged over 50, influencing the station's playlist and presenter choices.
What significant change occurred for BBC Radio 2 in 1990 related to its frequencies?
Answer: It lost its medium wave frequency to BBC Radio 5.
Explanation: In 1990, BBC Radio 2 relinquished its medium wave frequency to accommodate the launch of BBC Radio 5. This also led to the transfer of BBC's sports coverage to the new station.
How did the launch of Classic FM in September 1992 influence BBC Radio 2's programming?
Answer: Radio 2 reduced the amount of light classical music it featured.
Explanation: Following the establishment of Classic FM in 1992, BBC Radio 2 adjusted its programming by decreasing its focus on light classical music.
James Moir's 1996 programming strategy for BBC Radio 2 involved:
Answer: Daytime focus on AOR/contemporary music for a mature audience, with specialist evenings.
Explanation: In 1996, James Moir's strategy involved curating the daytime playlist around Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) and contemporary music for a mature demographic, while retaining specialist programming in the evenings.
How has the timing of specialist music programming on weekday evenings changed?
Answer: It now typically airs from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, instead of 8:00 PM to midnight.
Explanation: Specialist music programming on weekday evenings, which historically ran from 8:00 PM to midnight, has been adjusted to a more concise slot, typically airing from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
What happened to BBC Radio 2's sports coverage in 1990?
Answer: It was transferred to the newly launched BBC Radio 5.
Explanation: In 1990, BBC Radio 2's sports coverage, previously broadcast on its medium wave frequencies, was transferred to the newly established BBC Radio 5.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the evolution of specialist music programming timing on BBC Radio 2 weekdays?
Answer: It moved from 8 PM-midnight to a shorter 9 PM-10 PM slot.
Explanation: The timing for specialist music programming on weekday evenings has shifted from the earlier 8 PM to midnight slot to a more concentrated period, typically from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
BBC Radio 2 holds the distinction of being the most popular radio station in the United Kingdom, reportedly attracting in excess of 14 million weekly listeners.
Answer: True
Explanation: Data indicates that BBC Radio 2 is indeed the most popular radio station in the UK, consistently reporting weekly listenership figures exceeding 14 million.
Listeners can access BBC Radio 2 exclusively through the BBC Sounds app.
Answer: False
Explanation: Access to BBC Radio 2 is not limited to the BBC Sounds app. Listeners can also tune in via traditional FM radio, digital radio (DAB), and digital television platforms.
According to RAJAR figures from June 2025, BBC Radio 2 maintained a weekly audience of 12.6 million listeners.
Answer: True
Explanation: The RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research) figures for June 2025 confirm that BBC Radio 2 had a weekly audience of 12.6 million listeners.
BBC Radio 2 does not broadcast advertisements because it is funded by the television licence fee.
Answer: True
Explanation: As a domestic service of the BBC, BBC Radio 2 is funded by the television licence fee, which precludes the broadcasting of commercial advertisements.
BBC Radio 2's primary studios are located in Manchester.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary studios for BBC Radio 2 are located in Broadcasting House, London, with additional facilities at MediaCityUK in Salford, Manchester. Manchester is not the sole or primary location.
In 2006, BBC Radio 2 moved its studios to Wogan House, then known as Broadcasting House West.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. BBC Radio 2 relocated its studios in 2006 to Western House, which was subsequently renamed Wogan House in 2016. It was not known as Broadcasting House West at the time of the move.
The majority of BBC Radio 2's current audience consists of adults under the age of 35.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to this statement, the majority of BBC Radio 2's audience comprises adults over the age of 35, representing approximately 82% of its listeners.
The final broadcast from BBC Radio 2's Wogan House studios occurred in February 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: The last broadcast from the Wogan House studios for BBC Radio 2 took place on February 18, 2024.
What is BBC Radio 2 primarily known for?
Answer: Being the most popular UK radio station, focusing on 20th/21st C popular music.
Explanation: BBC Radio 2 is recognized as the United Kingdom's most popular radio station, distinguished by its programming of 20th and 21st-century popular music across a wide array of genres.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a platform for accessing BBC Radio 2?
Answer: Satellite Radio (e.g., SiriusXM)
Explanation: The provided information details access via FM radio, the BBC Sounds app, digital television, and DAB. Satellite radio services like SiriusXM are not mentioned as official platforms for BBC Radio 2.
What percentage of BBC Radio 2's current listener base is over 35?
Answer: Approximately 82%
Explanation: According to available data, approximately 82% of BBC Radio 2's listener base comprises adults over the age of 35.
BBC Radio 2 is funded primarily through:
Answer: The television licence fee.
Explanation: As a domestic service of the BBC, BBC Radio 2 derives its primary funding from the television licence fee, which means it does not rely on commercial advertising.
According to RAJAR figures from June 2025, what percentage share of total listening time did BBC Radio 2 capture?
Answer: 13%
Explanation: RAJAR figures from June 2025 indicate that BBC Radio 2 secured a 13% share of the total radio listening time in the United Kingdom.
The BBC confirmed plans in November 2022 to move BBC Radio 2 out of Wogan House back to which location?
Answer: Broadcasting House
Explanation: In November 2022, the BBC announced plans to relocate BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music out of Wogan House and back to Broadcasting House in London.
The BBC Radio 2 studios moved from Broadcasting House to Western House in what year?
Answer: 2006
Explanation: BBC Radio 2's studios relocated from Broadcasting House to Western House in the year 2006.
Paul O'Grady left his BBC Radio 2 show in 2022 due to disagreements over scheduling changes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul O'Grady departed his Sunday afternoon show in 2022 following dissatisfaction with a schedule alteration that temporarily replaced him, despite his planned return.
Scott Mills took over as host of "The Radio 2 Breakfast Show" in January 2025, succeeding Zoe Ball.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scott Mills assumed the role of host for "The Radio 2 Breakfast Show" in January 2025, taking over from Zoe Ball.
Sarah Kennedy was reprimanded in 2007 for making a joke about nearly hitting a pedestrian.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 2007, Sarah Kennedy faced reprimand from BBC management for making an on-air remark about nearly hitting a pedestrian.
In July 2009, Sarah Kennedy faced criticism for praising Winston Churchill during a broadcast.
Answer: False
Explanation: The controversy involving Sarah Kennedy in July 2009 stemmed from her praise of Enoch Powell, whom she referred to as 'the best prime minister this country never had,' not Winston Churchill.
The "Sounds of the 80s" program was originally broadcast on Friday evenings before moving to Saturday evenings.
Answer: True
Explanation: The program "Sounds of the 80s" initially aired on Friday evenings before its schedule was shifted to Saturday evenings in July 2022.
Trevor Nelson hosts "Trevor Nelson's Rhythm Nation" and took over the station's morning slot in January 2025.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Trevor Nelson hosts "Trevor Nelson's Rhythm Nation," he took over the station's *afternoon* slot in January 2025, not the morning slot.
Regular contributors like Martin Lewis provide commentary on specific shows, offering expertise on topics such as finance and gardening.
Answer: True
Explanation: BBC Radio 2 features regular contributors who offer specialized knowledge. For instance, Martin Lewis is known for his financial expertise, and Terry Walton contributes on gardening, among other experts.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a current presenter on BBC Radio 2?
Answer: Ken Bruce
Explanation: While Ken Bruce was a long-serving presenter on BBC Radio 2, the provided lists of current presenters do not include him. Zoe Ball, Gary Davies, and Scott Mills are listed as current or recent hosts.
Who succeeded Zoe Ball as the host of "The Radio 2 Breakfast Show" in January 2025?
Answer: Scott Mills
Explanation: Scott Mills assumed the hosting duties for "The Radio 2 Breakfast Show" in January 2025, succeeding Zoe Ball in this prominent role.
What was the reason cited for Paul O'Grady leaving his BBC Radio 2 show in 2022?
Answer: Dissatisfaction with a schedule change that temporarily replaced him.
Explanation: Paul O'Grady's departure from his BBC Radio 2 show in 2022 was attributed to his dissatisfaction with a schedule change that involved him being temporarily replaced, despite his intention to return.
Which of the following controversies involved Sarah Kennedy making controversial on-air comments?
Answer: Both B and C.
Explanation: Sarah Kennedy faced criticism for two separate on-air incidents: making jokes about nearly hitting a pedestrian and praising Enoch Powell with a controversial statement.
Which presenter took over the afternoon slot on BBC Radio 2 in January 2025?
Answer: Trevor Nelson
Explanation: Trevor Nelson assumed control of the afternoon slot on BBC Radio 2 in January 2025.
The "Sounds of the 80s" program, hosted by Sara Cox, moved from Friday evenings to Saturday evenings in which year?
Answer: 2022
Explanation: The program "Sounds of the 80s" transitioned from its Friday evening slot to Saturday evenings in July 2022.
Which of the following presenters is NOT listed among the current BBC Radio 2 schedule presenters in the source?
Answer: Terry Wogan
Explanation: While Terry Wogan was a legendary broadcaster for BBC Radio 2, he is not listed among the current presenters in the provided source material. Jeremy Vine, Jo Whiley, and Trevor Nelson are mentioned as current hosts.
The "Radio 2 Beatles" pop-up DAB station in 2019 commemorated the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Radio 2 Beatles' pop-up DAB station in 2019 commemorated the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' album, not 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.
The "Radio 2 Live" festival in Leeds was cancelled in 2022 due to poor ticket sales.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Radio 2 Live' festival in Leeds was cancelled in 2022 not due to poor ticket sales, but rather as a result of the national mourning period following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
BBC Radio 2 is associated with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Answer: False
Explanation: BBC Radio 2 is primarily associated with the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Big Band, not the BBC Symphony Orchestra or the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Greenwich Time Signal ("the pips") is broadcast on BBC Radio 2 only at 7:00 AM on weekdays.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Greenwich Time Signal ('the pips') is broadcast at multiple specific times throughout the day on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, not solely at 7:00 AM on weekdays.
BBC Radio 2 occasionally uses temporary DAB services, such as for covering the Eurovision Song Contest or focusing on specific genres like country music.
Answer: True
Explanation: BBC Radio 2 utilizes temporary DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) services for special events, such as broadcasting Eurovision content (e.g., BBC Radio 2 Eurovision) or dedicating channels to specific genres like country music (e.g., BBC Radio 2 Country).
The "Radio 2 Beatles" pop-up DAB station in 2019 was created to celebrate the anniversary of which album?
Answer: Abbey Road
Explanation: The temporary 'Radio 2 Beatles' DAB station in September 2019 was launched specifically to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles' album 'Abbey Road'.
Why was the "Radio 2 Live" festival in Leeds cancelled in 2022?
Answer: Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Explanation: The 'Radio 2 Live' festival scheduled for Leeds in 2022 was cancelled as a mark of respect during the national period of mourning following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Which two BBC ensembles are associated with BBC Radio 2?
Answer: BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Big Band
Explanation: BBC Radio 2 maintains associations with two key BBC musical ensembles: the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Big Band.
What is the function of the Greenwich Time Signal ("the pips") on BBC Radio 2?
Answer: To provide accurate timekeeping at specific hours.
Explanation: The Greenwich Time Signal, commonly known as 'the pips,' serves as an auditory cue for precise timekeeping, broadcast at designated intervals throughout the day on BBC Radio 2.
What was the purpose of the "Radio 2 Beatles" pop-up DAB station?
Answer: To focus on Beatles music for a limited time to commemorate the "Abbey Road" album anniversary.
Explanation: The 'Radio 2 Beatles' pop-up DAB station was a temporary service created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' album by dedicating programming to their music.
Which of the following is NOT a genre typically featured in BBC Radio 2's specialist evening programming?
Answer: Heavy Metal
Explanation: While BBC Radio 2's specialist evening programming covers a wide range of genres including jazz, reggae, and folk, heavy metal is not typically featured.
Ofcom approved the BBC's proposal for a new Radio 2 spin-off station in July 2025.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ofcom rejected the BBC's proposal for a new Radio 2 spin-off station in July 2025, citing concerns regarding potential adverse impacts on fair competition.
Frances Line served as the Controller/Head of Station for BBC Radio 2 from 1990 to 1996.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frances Line held the position of Controller/Head of Station for BBC Radio 2 during the period of 1990 to 1996.
Lewis Carnie succeeded Helen Thomas as Head of Station for BBC Radio 2 in 2016.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lewis Carnie succeeded Bob Shennan as Head of Station for BBC Radio 2 in 2016. Helen Thomas became Head of Station in 2020.
The BBC proposed a Radio 2 spin-off station in February 2024 intended to focus on music from the 1980s and 1990s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's proposed spin-off station in February 2024 was intended to focus on music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, not the 1980s and 1990s.
Ofcom rejected the BBC's proposed Radio 2 spin-off station primarily due to concerns about:
Answer: Potential adverse impact on fair competition, specifically mentioning Boom Radio.
Explanation: Ofcom's rejection of the proposed BBC Radio 2 spin-off station was primarily based on concerns that it could negatively affect fair competition within the radio market, with specific reference to its potential impact on Boom Radio.
Who was the Controller/Head of Station for BBC Radio 2 between 1990 and 1996?
Answer: Frances Line
Explanation: Frances Line held the executive position of Controller/Head of Station for BBC Radio 2 during the period spanning from 1990 to 1996.
What was the primary intention behind the BBC's proposed Radio 2 spin-off station announced in February 2024?
Answer: To focus on music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s to attract former listeners.
Explanation: The BBC's proposal for a Radio 2 spin-off station in February 2024 aimed to specifically cater to listeners interested in music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, with the objective of re-engaging former audiences.
What was the outcome of Ofcom's review regarding the proposed BBC Radio 2 spin-off station in July 2025?
Answer: Rejected due to competition concerns.
Explanation: Ofcom's review concluded in July 2025 with the rejection of the BBC's proposed Radio 2 spin-off station, citing significant concerns about its potential impact on fair competition in the radio market.
What was the primary reason given for the 2020 appointment of Helen Thomas as Head of Station for BBC Radio 2?
Answer: The provided text confirms her appointment but does not specify the BBC's reasoning.
Explanation: The source material confirms Helen Thomas's appointment as Head of Station for BBC Radio 2 in 2020 but does not provide specific details regarding the BBC's rationale for this decision.