Bob Harris for Radio Festival's "big interview"

The Radio Academy has announced that 'whispering' Bob Harris is to discuss his life and 40-year broadcasting career at this year's Radio Festival.

Harris will give the festival's "big interview" on November 2, covering his time spent presenting legendary BBC TV programme The Old Grey Whistle Test and hosting various music shows on Radio 2.

Described by the Radio Times as "one of the greats of British contemporary music broadcasting", Harris received an OBE in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

He and his wife Trudie run the Whispering Bob Broadcasting Company, an independent production house creating documentaries for radio and television. The firm won two Silver Sony Radio Academy Awards in 2008 and 2009.

John Myers, the chief executive of The Radio Academy, said: "Bob Harris is a legendary figure who has made his mark on the listening public through years of popular and successful broadcasts.

"We are delighted he will be appearing at this year's festival. He has been a stalwart of music radio for years and hearing about his lifetime of experience will be fascinating, informative and very enjoyable."

The 2011 Radio Festival will be hosted by BBC Radio duo Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie from October 31 to November 2 at The Lowry arts and entertainment centre in Salford. Already confirmed speakers include Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne.