New Status Ensures Bright Future for Whangarei’s Beagle Radio

New Status Ensures Bright Future for Whangarei’s Beagle Radio
Story written by Janine Duncan

Broadcasting on 88.1 FM for the last nine years, Beagle Radio became an incorporated society in December 2023, marking a major milestone in the station's history.

The idea to establish a community radio station came from a group of friends with a strong passion for non-mainstream music. After significant planning and preparation, their concept became a reality when the first official broadcast was launched on February 27th, 2015.

Over the last nine years, Beagle Radio has grown substantially. Now broadcasting from their location in the ONEONESIX building on Bank Street, the team is made up of approximately 33 volunteers and provides 23 shows over a two week cycle. Listening via radio is confined to Whangarei city, however their website broadcasts 24/7 and also includes a schedule of shows and a playlist.

Beagle shows are very diverse and feature non-mainstream/commercial music. Eursula Hicks, Beagle Chairperson says, “each show is different, each DJ comes with their own originality and flair and there is some amazing experience within the team.”

The team are passionate about the Whangarei community and place a strong focus on connection, camaraderie and creativity. Most DJ’s incorporate local content into their shows, including promotion of community events, the Whangarei Fringe Festival, Beagle’s fundraising ventures, and interviews with performance artists featuring in upcoming shows at ONEONESIX.

The station has a strong desire to provide further community support. However, obtaining funding for local projects in the past has proved difficult, and this was a factor behind applying for incorporated status. As a registered company, they now have a formal governance structure, operational policies and procedures, and specific organisational roles. The organisation will now be able to plan strategically, provide greater accountability and transparency to their members, and accessing funding and sponsorship to achieve their goals, allow for future growth, and long term sustainability will be easier.

Currently, their income only covers running costs. However, they would love to invest in equipment upgrades, hold more community events, and potentially offer youth training opportunities.

Eursula says it is the people the station attracts that makes it such a special place and group to be part of. “Everyone brings something unique, people come in and feel they have found their tribe, diversity is welcomed, it is a safe space and it is that shared love of music that really binds us.”

If you would like to contribute to Beagle or become part of their team, more information can be found on www.beagleradio.co.nz