BBC Radio 2 has confirmed that Shaun Keaveny will officially take over Sounds of the 70 following Bob Harris's decision to step down due to ill health.
The announcement comes after Harris, 80, revealed he was leaving his long-running Radio 2 programmes to focus on his health after disclosing that his prostate cancer had spread to his upper spine.
With one of British radio's most respected voices departing the airwaves, many listeners are now asking the same question: who is Shaun Keaveny?
Who Is Shaun Keaveny?
Shaun Keaveny is a British broadcaster and presenter best known for his work on BBC Radio 6 Music, where he spent more than a decade hosting the station's weekday breakfast show.
The presenter built a loyal following thanks to his mix of music knowledge, humour and relaxed broadcasting style. During his time at 6 Music, he became one of the station's most recognisable voices and interviewed some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.
Since leaving the breakfast slot, Keaveny has continued working across radio and podcasting, developing a reputation as one of Britain's most experienced music broadcasters.
Why Has Shaun Keaveny Been Chosen to Replace Bob Harris?
Keaveny has already been familiar to Radio 2 listeners.
He has been deputising for Harris on Sounds of the 70s during the veteran broadcaster's recent absence, giving audiences a preview of what the programme could sound like under new leadership.
His extensive knowledge of classic music and decades of broadcasting experience made him a natural choice for the role.
Announcing the appointment, Keaveny said he views the opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility.
'I consider it not just an honour but a mission to continue Bob's work of showing the world the greatness of the music of that special decade', he said.
Bob Harris's Departure Marks the End of a 56-Year Broadcasting Career
According to the BBC, Harris has been a fixture on British airwaves for nearly 56 years, building a reputation as one of the country's most respected music broadcasters.
The veteran presenter announced his departure from BBC Radio 2 weeks after revealing that his prostate cancer had spread to his spine, saying he now needs to focus on his recovery.
In an emotional farewell message, Harris thanked listeners for their decades of support and described leaving the station as 'one of the hardest decisions of my entire life'. He said the decision came after careful consultation with his medical team and family as he adjusts to treatment. Harris also expressed hope that he will continue sharing his love of music in some capacity once his health stabilizes.
What Happens Next?
Keaveny will officially host Sounds of the 70s every Sunday from 3pm to 5pm while continuing his duties on Radio 2's Rock Show.
For listeners, the change marks the beginning of a new chapter. However, it also signals the end of an era for one of Britain's most influential music broadcasters.
As Radio 2 moves forward with Keaveny behind the microphone, many fans will be hoping he can preserve the spirit that made Bob Harris's programmes a fixture of British radio for decades.
