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Hospital Radio

By: Jeff Durham - Updated: 24 Nov 2023 | comments*Discuss
 
Hospital Radio Hospital Radio Volunteer

Getting involved with your local hospital radio station is a fun way of getting familiar with all different aspects of radio broadcasting. In considering this as a form of voluntary work you’re likely to meet up with other like-minded people who share a passion for radio so you’re likely to make lots of new friends yet additionally, you’ll be providing a very valuable service to hospital patients who can gain a lot of comfort and enjoyment from listening to the broadcasts.

Dispelling Some Myths First

Before the explosion of communications and other forms of media courses at universities, websites such as You Tube and innovations like podcasts, hospital radio was seen by those who were active participants within it as possibly one of the few ways in which you could gain the necessary grounding and experience to go on to pursue broadcasting as a career. In fact, many of TV and radio’s most established celebrities will have begun their careers with a stint on hospital radio in their formative years. However, the ethos has changed somewhat these days and, even though it is still good experience for those wishing to enter the broadcasting profession, there are so many other ways and means of doing that these days that it should only be considered as a voluntary job if you intend to simply want to pick up a few skills in a fun environment and are prepared to ‘muck in’ as opposed to viewing it as your big chance of being the next Chris Evans as, in most cases, you’ll end up being disappointed if you intend to view it as a stepping stone to stardom. It can, however, still play some part in providing you with experience should you wish to take it up as a profession in the future.

Will I Get My Own Programme Straight Away?

For many, the reason they get involved in hospital radio is because they have a desire to host their own programme but it isn’t as simple as that and it may be some time before you get your chance behind the microphone. Volunteers who work at a hospital radio station all tend to pitch in with just about everything that needs doing. You could be asked to catalogue the CDs, empty out the rubbish bins or vacuum the studio carpet and clean the equipment and one of the more likely jobs you’ll be given to do in the early stages is to go around the wards collecting requests and dedications from patients and hospital staff who may want to hear a particular record played or wish to give somebody a ‘get well’ mention, for example. You may also be asked to help with fundraising events at weekends and practically do anything that helps to keep the station in good running order.

Obviously, no hospital radio station would be able to survive without its presenters and you’ll be given every opportunity to learn the ropes in presenting technique as well as instruction in how to operate all of the equipment if that’s your ultimate goal but you should not volunteer if you expect this to happen overnight as it’s very likely that there are several volunteers who have already been there for some considerable time who are still awaiting their chance to get behind the microphone. Neither is it a role which should be perceived as giving you the chance to simply play the music you like, just like you would at home. Remember, your audience is predominantly the patients, many of whom will be much older than you are and will have very different musical tastes.

In most cases, the choice of music you play will be pre-determined by the station manager whether you like it or not. For those who’d like to present but not particularly a music show, many hospital radio stations now have outside broadcast capabilities giving the likes of would-be sports commentators to report on local sporting events taking place within the community and there may be opportunities to get involved as a news reader too.

Engineers and Technicians

For those who prefer to work behind the scenes, there are also opportunities for those who can work as radio technicians or have engineering/electrical/electronic skills who can help to keep the station on air and can fix equipment when it goes wrong.

Hospital radio stations tend to prefer volunteers who are willing to be flexible about what they’re asked to do at any given time and are just glad to be there contributing in some way. For those who view it as a way to gain experience, there will be training on the equipment and learning broadcasting technique by shadowing presenters, engineers etc in order to get you up to speed but don’t be expecting to never have to get your hands dirty or to help out with things like fundraising because unlike the ‘real’ world of broadcasting, hospital radio is definitely not about having huge egos or trampling over others to get on. If your intention is to do something fun and you don’t mind getting out and about in the wards meeting patients and taking requests etc., then you’re sure to have a good time but if you’re hell bent on pursuing a career in radio, hospital radio may not be the right way to go about doing that unless you’re prepared to muck in too.

As far as commitment goes, that can vary but most volunteers tend to get involved a few hours one day in the week and can be asked to get involved with fundraising of a weekend on occasion. If you do reach the ‘hallowed’ position of getting your own programme, however, you should expect to be able to turn up on a regular basis at the same time and on the same day each week to fulfil your commitment as it’s sometimes difficult to replace people at short notice and if you don’t turn up, you might even put a station off air for a while.

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i would like to gain skills and experience by working here in broadcasting further i wish to work for sports i have completed electronics and media technology graduation now perseuing masters in digital media management
sunny - 24-Nov-23 @ 5:45 PM
Looking to gain insight and experience into radio broadcasting. Have a passion for music and sports and would love to use my creative skills in radio production one day.
Jay - 23-Nov-23 @ 4:13 AM
Hello I'm Gary cheyne I'd love to be involved in hospital radio or community radio in the Cambridge Peterborough corby huntingdon Kettering Northampton Nottingham Norwich Milton Keynes and London areas and East of England areas I'm from Aberdeen in Scotland, but I travel to Peterborough every month and stay in Peterborough for 2 to 3 weeks sometimes 4 weeks to see my daughter/none biological daughter Angel, I'd eventually like to relocate to any of the areas I've mentioned being involved with hospital radio or community radio as a presenter would help me greatly
Gary - 14-May-23 @ 6:34 PM
Family Favourites Radio is looking for two, maybe more, ex-hospital radio 'music presenters' to produce and present pre-recorded request shows for our internet radio service that connects residents of care homes across the UK with family members and loved ones at home or overseas. All shows are pre-recorded at the presenters' own location and all that is needed for this is access to a desktop or laptop computer and free software. We can provide training guides as to how to use this for production of the shows - which will be on an 'on demand' basis and not necessarily a weekly commitment. It would probably suit a presenter whose hospital radio service has had to close or someone who would like to get back into the swing? These ARE 'all request' shows, so the presenter does not play THEIR choice of music. It's not all about 'old music' either - we have many requests for contemporary artists.
MusicGalleryMan - 3-Mar-23 @ 12:17 PM
Looking for a voluntary position in the merseyside area
Max Dunerdog - 30-Nov-22 @ 8:57 PM
Would like information about Hospital Radio in the SE18 area I am an ex Hospital Radio 9 Studio manager and have been off the scene since 2000, so I have a lot of time to make up, I can now dedicate more time to what I love which is Radio. Everyone wants to be a presenter, however there is a lot more to Radio than presenting which includes getting along with the hospital and local environment including the special time working with everything from the technical side to production, programming, fund raising etc and finally the listener who without there is no Radio Station. Bill
Cap'n Bill - 11-May-19 @ 6:54 PM
How old do you have to be to volunteer on the hospital radio?
Radio Boy - 10-Feb-19 @ 6:00 PM
I was looking for volunteer opportunities and I would like to gain more experience in radio production. I have just completed a course within a Creative Production workshop at Reform radio. I have heard that hospital radio is also good for building up experience which people may not have already. Is there any extensive training provided ? I am looking to build more confidence to improve voice fluency.
Dreb - 21-Mar-18 @ 11:55 AM
Good morning, im messaging about getting involved in hospital radio. Ive always been intrested in radio and wondered i could be apart of the learn what its all about and get involved in the overall aspect of radio. Im a guy with a big heart and want too put my dream into reality of doing radio Regards jason keeling
Jugs - 21-Mar-18 @ 11:36 AM
dj smithy - Your Question:
How can I volunteer for a local hospital radio am just starting out and I want to try radio persenter in my local hospital or shopping stores

Our Response:
You should be able to find out contact details from the internet. Give them a ring or drop them an email! They'll be able to tell you if it's possible.
VoluntaryWorker - 2-Oct-17 @ 1:58 PM
how can i volunteer for a local hospital radio am just starting out and i want to try radio persenter in my local hospital or shopping stores
dj smithy - 29-Sep-17 @ 1:12 PM
I was involved with hospital radio as a presenter for 6 years at Rush Green Hospital. I now live in Birmingham and would like to get back involved with hospital radio. Can you help? Please. Regards Andy Swaby
Swabster - 24-Apr-17 @ 4:00 PM
I am a retired person living in NI. I love the radio and would like to get some information about volunteering for hospital radio. I am not interested in having a programme or in presenting but believe I would be good at speaking to patients and staff and gathering requests for different programmes. Are there any hospital radios inhospitals in Belfast and if so how could I get in contact with them?
Mary - 18-Jan-17 @ 12:08 PM
Joe - Your Question:
Hi. I have twin boys aged 14, who have just signed up to do their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and are looking to do some volunteer work. They are both taking GCSE music. Any ideas if anything in hospital radio would be open to them? A point in the right direction would be very much appreciated! Thanks

Our Response:
Hospitla radio volunteering differs by area, so it might be better to contact your local hospitals directly. If they're both musical, they might like to do voluntary music tuition. Ask local music groups, schools, youth clubs etc.
VoluntaryWorker - 3-Nov-16 @ 12:20 PM
Hi. I have twin boys aged 14, who have just signed up to do their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and are looking to do some volunteer work. They are both taking GCSE music. Any ideas if anything in hospital radio would be open to them? A point in the right direction would be very much appreciated! Thanks
Joe - 2-Nov-16 @ 9:44 PM
Greetings All, My name's Byron and I'm looking to have a go at Radio presenting etc. From January 2006 to July 2008 I was the Media & Press Officer of City Radio Haringey. I joined in 2006 as the station was due to receive it's 'on air' licence from Ofcom. However, at the last minute our application was declined due to the numerous applications received which could not be accommodated. We were told to link up with other stations, but declined their most gracious offer! Aside from that I'm raring to go. If it's fun & laughter that you want, then I'm your man; if it's current affairs - again I'm your man; if it's Public Speaking - yes I'm your man! Why not give me a try? Finally at the station I was known as Byron James - wow!!
Eureka! - 13-Oct-16 @ 5:25 PM
I would love to do something like this, I'm open to any and all positions available! Is there anywhere in the northwest doing anything like this?
Mike - 28-Sep-16 @ 9:29 PM
My friend and I would like to volunteer to do the hospital day. Please let me know how to get involved!
Gem - 13-Sep-16 @ 2:47 PM
I would like to volunteer in a hospital radio or any international radio station. Any information about the volunteering thing please just keep us up to date. Many thanks Nicholas
Negus Nagast - 18-Aug-16 @ 2:16 PM
hi,i,m john davies ,retired and with my wife,pam,we,ve started a 50,s style skiffle band called 'the 6-5 specials skiffle band'.we're always looking for places to play and we try to raise any money for our charities like the british lung foundation.you can see us on youtube under our band name and if we can be of use please call us on 0121 445 0177.many thanks.jd
john d - 23-Jun-16 @ 2:13 PM
i want work in with radio i did few gigs at pub ect i like give somethink back i like get in to radio f i can
nick - 18-May-16 @ 10:25 AM
HiI havea passionformusicandIlikegetmoreinvolvedIplaymusicgigsielikepubsectIwoodlovegivesomethingbackIa carrersophobbonedaya weekbmymaxbutwhoknows
nick - 18-May-16 @ 3:51 AM
Garthy - Your Question:
How can I get involved In hospital radio?

Our Response:
Contact you local hospital volunteer section and they will point you in the right direction.
VoluntaryWorker - 15-Apr-16 @ 2:36 PM
How can I get involved In hospital radio?
Garthy - 13-Apr-16 @ 5:49 PM
Hi, looking to volunteer with local radio stations to gain experience in using equipment and how a station operates and at some point maybe present. Got some media experience on radio and TV and through formal courses si hopefully that us useful to media organisations. Work full time as a senior leader in business so looking forward to give something back. Also sports qualified in football as a coach to high level.
Steve - 28-Mar-16 @ 6:14 PM
I am a semi retired solicitor with a passion for music - in particular American roots music - and I would love to become involved in hospital radio as a volunteer. I have no training but huge enthusiasm for the task. If you have any vacancies I would love to hear from you
Jonny - 11-Aug-15 @ 2:32 PM
Prior to becoming a hospital radio D.j- do you have to in list in a induction day. I havepassed the DBS check - but I have been advised I have to attend an induction which is a full day before I receive my voluntary work card, is that the case. Many thanks Ally
Ally - 24-Sep-14 @ 9:55 PM
would like to be a vollunteer radio presenter
dj wood - 11-Sep-14 @ 11:31 AM
Hi guys! I'm PIrish,and I'm based in London, I'm looking to do some volunteering in hospital radio. I've some spare time to give and decided that since I'm in to media and dj'ing I'll give it a shoot. I'm usually a runner on movie sets so I'm aware that I'll probably be ask to do similarly tasks that I don't mind! Please contact me if you interested and have some questions, also if you not taking volunteers and know of a place that I could contact please let me know, I'll be grateful, Regards, Dorota
Pirish - 11-Aug-14 @ 10:05 AM
Hello, i am in college doing media and very interested in radio broadcasting i have applied for many apprenticeships and i got told i had no experience so i hoping to get in to a local radio station volunteering to gain some experience. would love to hear from you many thanks Libby Watson-brown
libby - 19-Mar-14 @ 5:45 PM
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