Bob Harris announced he will step down from BBC Radio 2 after 56 years on air. The veteran broadcaster, who is currently being treated for cancer, described the decision as the hardest he had ever made.
Harris became one of British radio's most recognizable voices over more than five decades at the station. His tenure spanned major shifts in music and broadcasting, and he became known for championing emerging artists and introducing new sounds to British audiences.
The broadcaster revealed his cancer diagnosis while making the announcement about his departure. He characterized leaving the station as an extremely difficult choice, suggesting the decision was influenced by his health situation.
Harris's career at Radio 2 represents one of the longest continuous tenures in British broadcasting history. His 56-year run connects generations of listeners and covers vast changes in the music industry and radio formats. The station has not announced plans for his replacement or the future of his program slot.
The departure marks the end of an era for Radio 2, which has seen several longtime presenters leave in recent years. Harris's combination of longevity and influence made him one of the station's most distinctive voices, and his exit will leave a significant gap in the BBC's music programming.