Sir Terry Wogan’s son shares damning verdict on social media influencers taking top jobs at the BBC

The overhaul has sparked criticism after the departing presenters were replaced by a wave of social media personalities and content creators, including podcaster GK Barry, with some listeners arguing experienced broadcasters are making way for influencers.

While careful not to put words into his late father’s mouth, Mark made clear he believes broadcasting remains a skill in its own right.

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“I don’t ever want to speak for my father,” he said.

“But for me personally, there are people who can broadcast, and there are people who have a profile. The two things don’t necessarily always overlap.”

The comments come amid ongoing debate over the BBC’s direction as audiences increasingly turn to online platforms and social media for entertainment and news.

Asked whether there is still room for broadcasters capable of building the kind of decades-long relationship with audiences that made Sir Terry one of Britain’s most beloved presenters, Mark said: “Yes, I think there is.

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Mark Wogan

“Radio gives people a connection. As Dad always used to say, ‘Radio expands the mind and television contracts it.’

“He always preferred radio.”

The restaurateur argued connecting with listeners is an instinct that cannot simply be taught, pointing to veteran broadcasters who continue to attract loyal audiences.

“Chris Evans is still an extraordinarily talented broadcaster doing a fantastic job,” he said.

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“You’ve got people like Ken Bruce doing an incredible job because they know how to connect with an audience.

“That’s a skill you either have or you don’t. I don’t think it’s something you can really learn. You’re either suited to broadcasting or you’re not.”

Looking more broadly at the corporation’s future, Mark acknowledged the BBC is navigating a period of significant change but warned it should not lose sight of its core identity.

“The BBC is definitely in a period of transition and change. It has to change and adapt,” he said.

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“The new Director-General has a big job steering what is such an important part of our viewing and listening into a more modern world. Nothing stays the same forever.”

However, he said some aspects of the public broadcaster should be protected.

“It’s a public broadcaster, so it has to remain answerable,” he explained.

“I’d like the BBC to become less apologetic about what it is. There’s that very British thing where we don’t shout about what we’re good at.”

Mark pointed to a recently resurfaced John Cleese comedy sketch as an example of why the broadcaster should be more confident in celebrating its achievements.

“There’s a fantastic old clip doing the rounds on social media of John Cleese in a pub saying, ‘What does the BBC ever do for us?’ and then listing all the things it provides,” he said.

“The BBC could do with reminding people what it does. But equally it has to continue changing and adapting because it can’t stay the same forever. It’s a difficult job. I certainly don’t pretend to know all the answers.”

Asked whether the television licence fee still has a place in modern broadcasting, Mark admitted the issue was becoming increasingly complex.

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“The BBC is the British Broadcasting Corporation. If we keep kicking it, we’ll miss it when it’s gone.

“If we continue kicking it, eventually it won’t have any choice,” he said.”

“But the landscape is changing. The way people consume media is changing all the time. How we watch things in five years’ time will be very different from today.”

Away from broadcasting, Mark is preparing to return to CarFest as the charity festival moves to its new home at Silverstone.

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This year’s festival will feature performances from music legends including Sir Tom Jones, Jess Glynne and Nile Rodgers, alongside appearances from stars such as Ben Miller and Bryony Gordon, while celebrity chefs Atul Kochhar, Cherish Finden, Lisa Goodwin-Allen.

Mark himself will headline the FoodFest programme.

Describing the event as “seven festivals in one”, he said visitors can expect everything from motoring displays and live music to celebrity chefs and family entertainment, while stressing that its charitable mission remains at its heart.

“All the profits from CarFest go to charity,” he said.

“Chris Evans made sure from the very beginning that’s what would happen. The festival has raised £28 million so far, and I hope it continues doing that under Chris’s guidance and leadership.”

“He took an idea and ran with it because he’s not someone who ever does anything by halves. He gives it 100 per cent.”

Mark added: “Whether you buy a day ticket, weekend ticket or camping ticket, you’ll have a fantastic time.”