Bournemouth-based local radio station Bournemouth One is saying hello to half a million potential listeners as it joins the DAB digital radio platform in Dorset just in time for its first birthday.

The station, which launched on New Year’s Day 2024, has been granted a broadcasting licence from regulator Ofcom and is now available on DAB across Dorset.

It’s a big step forward for the locally owned and operated company. Joining the county-wide DAB digital radio multiplex with six high-powered transmitters means anyone travelling around Dorset can listen in their vehicles at the touch of a button anywhere from Christchurch to Dorchester, and still hear locally relevant news and information.

The station has just given away a smart-speaker a day during December to celebrate 12 months of online streaming. Now it’s looking forward to welcoming even more listeners around the area.

Co-founder Sophie Greenwood: “Our first 12 months online has been so much fun, and so valuable in helping us welcome many loyal listeners, partners and advertisers to Bournemouth One.

“But even though we are now officially Ofcom licensed to cover the whole county, we remain loyal to the local area, and will continue to provide more real and relevant news bulletins, travel reports, what’s on and essential local information than all the other local stations combined.”

Co-founder and CEO Roy Martin adds: “Our listeners have been asking for us to be on the actual radio ever since they discovered us online, so this is our birthday present to them.

“I have regular emails thanking us for our new policy of nonstop music and local news. It’s like listening to your best friend’s iPod on shuffle, only interrupted by welcomed local information.

“And with traffic and travel news every 20 minutes from morning till night, along with hourly what’s on information and weather, it’s the perfect listen on the road along with the best songs on the radio.

“It’s also fantastic news for any local business wanting to target a local family audience, as the service is aimed at 30+ adults living and working locally.

“We’d like to thank all our partners so far and look forward to making new friends in 2025.”

Bournemouth One continues to stream online via BournemouthOne.com and on Smart Speakers. You just need to ask any smart device to “Play Bournemouth One”.

For further information contact CEO Roy Martin on 07962440012 or roy@bournemouthone.com