ABOUT US
This is the official Portishead Radio website.
The site is designed to remember the history and operation of Portishead Radio Station, the world's largest long-range maritime communication station.
Not only did the station maintain contact with ships worldwide, it also provided valuable communication facilities to aircraft, the leisure market, and remote land-based locations.
In the absence of a formal memorial to the station, its name is being preserved via this website and a public Facebook group called 'Portishead Radio GKA'.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Preserving History
Lecture Series
Engaging talks on the history of Portishead Radio, the 'Beam Wireless Stations of Somerset', and the UK Coast Radio Station network are available in the Somerset and surrounding areas.
Contact us for more information..
Archives Access
Numerous photographs, documents and artefacts are held pending a possible display at a proposed local museum in Burnham-on-Sea.
An original R/T Console from the new station has been donated and is currently undergoing restoration.
Keeping in touch with staff
Regular informal meetings are held, along with formal dinners every few months.
Full-scale reunions have been held over the years, the last one taking place in 2024.
There is an active Facebook group exclusively for former staff, and updates are sent to all on the former staff mailing list.
Keen to know more about the station?
A book about the history of Portishead Radio was published in 2020, titled "Portishead Radio - A Friendly Voice on Many a Dark Night". Author copies are now sold out, but the book is still available on Amazon and other online booksellers worldwide.
A revised and expanded book is currently in preparation and is planned to be available in late 2026.
All content (c) Larry Bennett 2026.
Many images reproduced from BT Heritage & Archives and used under Creative Commons licence.