Telekom Electronic Beats

Gilles Peterson bids farewell to Radio 1

Gilles Peterson bids farewell to Radio 1 The acclaimed DJ, whose popular Worldwide show became famous for championing an eclectic array of genres including soul, hip-hop, Afro or house blending the old – rare records from the 1950s to 1980s – and new, is set to finish his thirteen year tenure at the Beeb.

Peterson is not the only one to leave the respected position. Other genre DJ´s including Fabio & Grooverider, Kissy Sell Out or Judge Jules will be replaced by a crop of their younger colleagues including Skream & Benga, Friction or Toddla T.

“Radio 1 has come under pressure from both its commercial rivals and the BBC Trust to attract a younger audience after the average age of its listenership kept creeping up,” writes the Guardian. Whereas Judge Jules is likely to return to his original profession and become an entertainment lawyer, Peterson, whose departure is sparking outrage from his many fans, is apparently in talks with BBC’s digital station 6 Music. “So after over 13 incredible years at Radio 1 I’ll be leaving in March….and on to pastures new in the radio world….stay tuned!!,” he tweeted yesterday. The new schedule will be introduced in April next year.

Published December 08, 2011.