A former colleague of the late Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright has launched a scathing attack on the BBC, alleging the corporation damaged the broadcaster’s reputation and treated him poorly before his death.
Anthony James, who handled music for Wright’s afternoon programme and Sunday Love Songs show, has spoken out against the BBC’s treatment of the veteran DJ, who passed away from a ruptured stomach ulcer in February 2024 at age 69.
James has expressed dissatisfaction with how the corporation managed Wright’s career during his final years and its actions following his death.
The accusations come as the BBC prepares a memorial concert for Wright later this month, nearly eighteen months after the much-loved presenter’s death shocked listeners across the country.
Wright’s departure from the BBC in 2022 occurred despite his programme achieving exceptional ratings, according to James.
The presenter had been informed about his show’s cancellation nine months before the public announcement and was instructed by the corporation to maintain confidentiality about the decision.
James revealed that Helen Thomas, Radio 2’s head, had allegedly assured Wright his programme would continue through a new digital platform.
When this failed to materialise after several months, Wright reportedly contacted director-general Tim Davie directly.
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According to James, Davie allegedly responded: “I can’t believe she fired you… I wouldn’t have fired you myself.”
The BBC has disputed this account of the conversation between Wright and Davie.
James has suggested the decision to remove Wright from his afternoon slot formed part of a broader BBC strategy targeting presenters deemed excessively “pale, male and stale”.
He told The Telegraph: “They thought that this idea of personality is old style; it’s not cool anymore, we should make Radio 2 cool.”
James added: “But who gives a s*** about cool? It’s about being entertained.”
The dismissal’s consequences for Wright’s wellbeing proved severe, according to James.
“He didn’t really stop to accept it. I think it ate him up,” James stated, describing how his colleague struggled to process the decision.
James indicated Wright’s condition deteriorated progressively following the axing: “It got worse, and his health got worse.”
The BBC intends to stage a memorial concert for Wright this month, though James has questioned the corporation’s motivations.
Thomas contacted James last year requesting authorisation to feature his music in the tribute event.
Despite initially granting permission, James subsequently informed Thomas he would not attend the concert.
James claimed that Thomas allegedly proposed the memorial would provide networking opportunities in the week preceding the event.
“This is not about networking. This is about a tribute to my friend,” James responded.
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He suggested the corporation’s belated efforts to commemorate Wright stemmed from fears that his non-participation would reflect poorly on the BBC.
The BBC released a statement emphasising Wright’s significance to Radio 2 and acknowledging his nearly thirty-year contribution to the network, highlighting his various programmes including Sunday Love Songs, which began broadcasting in 1996.