Martin Kelner plans a comeback

Former BBC national and local radio presenter Martin Kelner could be back on the radio shortly, after being let go by BBC Radio Leeds for not being ‘female friendly’ enough. He is currently in talks with a commercial radio station with the aim of bringing back the Late Martin Kelner Show.

Martin, posting on his own website recently, said: “I have had it confirmed to me today by the head of centre in Leeds that there will be no further contracts for me on BBC local radio in Yorkshire, despite suggestions to the contrary made on and off air on BBC Radio Leeds.

“In answer to the question, “What happened?” posed to me by numerous visitors to this web site, who feel I must have, at the very least, defecated on the managing editor’s desk to be terminated with such extreme prejudice, I can only repeat the reason given to me, which is that BBC Radio Leeds has decided to aim its programmes at women in their middle years, and I was not “female friendly” enough.”

A spokesperson for the BBC told RadioToday.co.uk: “All radio stations regularly update their line-up and not renewing Martin’s contract was simply a part of this process. Once again, we would like to thank Martin for all his hard work on BBC Radio Leeds and wish him all the best for the future.”