BBC DJ Johnnie Walker blasts 'age of celebrity' and radio bosses' preference for inexperienced TV stars as terrifying

Veteran broadcaster says radio is becoming 'more and more dominated by money rather than talent'

Veteran BBC DJ Johnnie Walker has launched a scathing attack on the "age of celebrity" and the increasing dominance of inexperienced TV stars on radio.

In an interview with the Radio Times, Walker said he was "terrified" by the trend towards hiring TV stars with little or no radio experience, and that he believed the industry was becoming "more and more dominated by money rather than talent".

"I'm terrified by the age of celebrity"

"I'm terrified by the age of celebrity," Walker said. "I think it's a very dangerous thing for radio. Radio is a very intimate medium and it requires a certain kind of talent. It's not just about being able to read a script or talk over a record. It's about being able to create a rapport with the listener and make them feel like you're talking to them one-on-one.

"I think we're losing that in the age of celebrity. We're getting more and more people who are hired because they're famous, not because they have any talent or experience in radio.

"Radio is becoming more and more dominated by money rather than talent"

"I think it's a very dangerous trend," Walker continued. "Radio is a public service and it's important that we have people on the air who are qualified and experienced. We need people who can inform and entertain the public, not just people who are there to sell products or promote themselves.

"I think we're in danger of losing the soul of radio if we continue down this path."

Walker's comments come at a time when there is increasing concern about the future of radio.

In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of listeners to traditional radio stations, as more and more people turn to streaming services and podcasts.

At the same time, there has been a rise in the number of radio stations owned by large media corporations, which has led to concerns about a lack of diversity and a focus on profit over quality.

Walker's comments are a timely reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of radio and ensuring that it remains a vital part of the public sphere.