Radio Solent marks 50th birthday with local awards

BBC Radio Solent has launched its first-ever Community Heroes Awards to help celebrate 50 years of broadcasting.

The station turns 50 on December 31st and will reach out to the heart of its communities, showcasing the people, their stories and the work that goes on across the region.

The awards aim to recognise unsung heroes across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, celebrating individuals and groups who go the extra mile to make their community a better place to live and work in.

Head Judge, Managing Editor Sarah Miller, tells RadioToday, “We’ve been at the heart of communities for five decades so it felt like the perfect time for the station to celebrate some of the work carried out every day by people in the South.

“Solent has always been a station that cares about the community, running campaigns that are about improving people’s lives and showcasing the amazing work that happens in the south.

“It’s the perfect chance for communities to come together and nominate their local hero! I’m looking forward to reading the nominees’ stories, whether it’s about someone’s bravery, companionship or kindness. I know the strongest stories will make powerful listening on BBC Radio Solent.”

The station has recently introduced new Breakfast and Mid-Morning shows, and is now running the new BBC Local Radio jingle package from ReelWorld, with separate cuts for the Dorset Breakfast Show.