Media

Mark Lamarr quits Radio 2

By | Published on Monday 6 December 2010

Mark Lamarr has quit his presenting role at Radio 2 after twelve years with the station following the station’s refusal to move his weekly show to an earlier time slot.

In an email to friends and colleagues Lamarr said he’d decided to leave now because he felt Radio 2 was shunning its commitment to non-mainstream music such as that played on his shows. Lamarr was one of the presenters who, ten years ago, helped usher in a new era for the easy listening pop station, bringing some real musical variety to its off-peak slots, including genres not previously touched by Radio 2. 

Lamarr wrote last week: “It’s become obvious over the last year the station has become much less interested in non-mainstream music, and my position there has been extremely uncomfortable. It’s a sign of the times I suppose. I’m stupidly proud of the shows I’ve done there for twelve years and I know I always did the right thing. I’m equally sure I’m doing the right thing now. Not looking for sympathy, or another job, or even a reply. Just letting you know”. 

Radio 2 boss Bob Shennan said he didn’t agree with Lamarr’s assessment of his station’s output, adding that he was “sad” to see the DJ leave and that the door was always open for future projects. He told reporters: “Radio 2’s music offer has never been stronger, more diverse or more popular. Next year we have plans to broaden it still further with more genres and new presenters”.



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