West Cornwall’s Coast FM in the running for two radio awards

When Storm Goretti hit West Cornwall in January, the local radio station kept talking. Real-time updates, safety information and reports from the ground went out while the severe weather played out. Nine months on, that emergency broadcast has earned a place on an awards shortlist, and it isn’t the only one.

Two shortlists for one station

West Cornwall’s Coast FM has been shortlisted for two honours at the 2026 Community Radio Awards, which are marking their tenth year. The nominations recognise the station’s local broadcasting and its public-service storytelling, from the sports desk to the storm.

The community radio station serves West Cornwall on 96.5 and 97.2 FM, and both nominations came from very different corners of its schedule.

Sportsweek up for Sports Show of the Year

The station’s flagship programme, Sportsweek with Paul Warburton, is in the running for Sports Show of the Year. The nomination celebrates the show’s coverage, its insight into local sport, and the way it champions community voices.

Paul’s show is up against stiff competition from across the country. Also on the shortlist are Match Night Live (Drive 105), Saturday Afternoon Sport (Mix 92.6), The Rapha Report (Radio Skye) and Switch Radio Sport (Switch Radio).

The storm broadcast that made the list

Coast FM’s second nomination comes in the news and factual storytelling category, for its emergency broadcast during Storm Goretti. As the severe weather hit in January, the station put out real-time updates, safety information and on-the-ground reporting for listeners.

It sits on a shortlist alongside We Don’t Do That Here (BCfm & Unity Radio), Month of the Military Child (BFBS Aldershot), Women in Wargaming (BFBS Salisbury Plain) and Jamie McDonald (Radio Skye).

Run by volunteers

Coast FM is powered by volunteers and backed by listeners who believe in accessible, community-driven broadcasting. The station sets out to deliver trusted local news and distinctive programming, and to give people across West Cornwall a platform for their voices.

The winners will be named at the Community Radio Awards ceremony in Birmingham in October.

📷Coast FM's announcement of its two 2026 Community Radio Awards nominations. Credit: Coast FM