Ken Bruce divulges fate of PopMaster after quitting BBC radio show
‘Who gets custody of PopMaster?’ one aggrieved fan had asked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ken Bruce listeners are worried about the fate of his beloved quiz after he announced his BBC departure.
On Tuesday (17 January), the veteran radio host said that he had decided to step away from the corporation, where he has been employed for 45 years.
Bruce has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show on BBC Radio 2 since 1990, and became one of the best-loved hosts, in part thanks to PopMaster, a game that tests listeners’ pop knowledge.
The DJ introduced the quiz in 1998, and it typically takes place at around 10.30am every day.
Following news of Bruce’s departure from the BBC, many have lamented the potential loss of PopMaster.
“I'm in a right sulk about Ken Bruce. Who gets custody of PopMaster?” @jothekendall wrote, with writer Kirsty Bosley adding: “Bloody hell, Ken. PopMaster isn’t as good with someone else’s voice.”
However, Bruce himself has revealed that he will be bringing PopMaster with him to his new job. This is due to the fact that he savvily bought the rights to the quiz when he first debuted it.
Bruce, who said “the time was right” to quit the BBC, has now joined the team at Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio, where he will begin working in April.
He will present a show from 10am to 1pm on the Bauer radio station, alongside presenters including Simon Mayo at Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening.
While announcing his new job, Bruce assured his long-time listeners that the beloved game PopMaster would be a part of his Greatest Hits show.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Rachel McGrath wrote on Twitter: “I was shocked to learn he’s taking Popmaster with him, but just checked and absolute hats off to Ken Bruce, who in 1998 trademarked it himself. That’s a huge spot for the BBC to fill.”
Bauer’s very own Cat Martin added: “Get ready for more PopMaster from the mighty @RealKenBruce.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments