About us
Our Charity
Our charitable status stems from our history broadcasting as a hospital radio station. We are proud of this heritage and our long history of serving local people with broadcasting services.
Established in 1972, we started life as the Bournemouth and East Dorset Hospital Broadcasting Association, later to become Hospital Radio Bedside (HRB).
HRB has over the years consistently provided entertainment for those in and who worked in both Bournemouth and Poole hospitals, and over time extended its reach into the community via the website.
In 2009 we were awarded the coveted Queens Award for Voluntary Service which was presented by The Lord Lieutenant of Dorset. We continue to rely on our volunteers both for presenting and running the station, providing many opportunities for people to build their skills through a variety of roles.
Our output has been regularly commended, and honoured by the Hospital Broadcasting Association and the charity has welcomed hundreds of volunteers who have broadcast thousands of hours of entertainment many of whom have gone on to professional radio careers.
In 2004 we applied for, and were awarded, a community DAB licence from Ofcom, so we can expand our reach and our professional sound to a wider audience across Dorset.
In March 2025 we changed our station name to Dorset Coast Radio with our strapline of the south’s best music.
About Dorset Coast Radio
We provide accessible, inclusive and responsive radio broadcasting services to entertain the local community in and around Dorset. Our content informs, educates, and empowers individuals and communities about their health and wellbeing, and we share information about local services which can support a healthier lifestyle.
We provide a platform for local people and our community to share their stories, recruit volunteers, highlight their funding needs and promote their activities for free.
We also promote social inclusion, and positive lifestyle choices through relevant programming, community stories and local initiatives in collaboration with local health and wellbeing service providers as well as providing opportunities for individuals to learn new skills through volunteering roles within the station.
Our Governance
Our charity is expertly managed and governed through our Trustees who bring a range of professional skills to our board. The trustees meet monthly to ensure the charity continues to deliver its objectives, and that we meet our obligations as a charity.
We have an association model constitution with many of our volunteers being members who are able to vote on major changes to the charity and to the radio station.
Our AGM is held each year where we report back to our members on our activities.