Ted Daley – Bosom Buddy

Ted Daley (radio moniker often styled as “Bosom Buddy”/“Bosombody”) was a Dominican broadcaster whose afternoon programs on DBS Radio shaped listening habits across the Dominica and the wider Caribbean. With a broadcasting career that spanned over four decades, Daley became synonymous with afternoon radio. His engaging style, mastery of music programming, and unique lyrical flow established him as a cultural fixture and a national treasure.

Early Life and Career

Ted Daley’s career in radio took off during the 1970s when Dominica Broadcasting Service (DBS) emerged as the national station following independence. By the mid-1970s, he had already established himself as a household name in Roseau, recognized for his deep knowledge of music and his ability to connect with listeners through voice and rhythm. His Afro hairstyle, witty commentary, and knack for blending popular Caribbean beats with international soul and Motown tracks defined his early persona.

Daley quickly rose to prominence at DBS Radio, and by the 1980s his program was a staple of Dominican afternoons. Known for his slot from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., he entertained thousands of listeners with curated playlists and spontaneous lyrical commentary. His shows became a daily ritual, uniting families, workers, and young people across the island.

Broadcasting Style and Influence

Daley’s broadcasting style was distinctive. He combined music with a sense of urgency and improvisation, often compared to the flow of rap, long before the genre dominated popular culture. He introduced listeners to global hits, Caribbean sounds, and Creole rhythms, ensuring that Dominican audiences remained culturally connected during a period when radio was the primary medium of information and entertainment.

Listeners remember his infectious laugh, conversational delivery, and ability to educate through song. His playlists were as much about entertainment as they were about cultural awareness, offering Dominican households access to the latest international trends while reinforcing pride in local artistry. Daley transformed radio into a community space where identity, culture, and music intertwined, giving Dominicans a sense of belonging during transformative decades.

Career Milestones

Ted Daley’s career lasted for more than 42 years, making him Dominica’s longest-serving and most recognized radio host. His program, widely known as The Ted Daley Show, became a cultural institution.

• He was at the center of DBS’s identity as “the Nation Station,” and many considered him the voice of afternoon radio in Dominica.
• His presence extended beyond music, as he became a mentor to younger broadcasters and journalists entering the field.
• He worked through key moments in Dominica’s history, including natural disasters, general elections, and cultural festivals, often providing live coverage that blended entertainment with information.
• Daley also made guest appearances on community stations such as Radio En Ba Mango, further demonstrating his broad influence.

His career formally wound down in the 2010s, when after decades of service, he stepped back from daily hosting. Yet even in semi-retirement, his presence remained tied to the identity of Dominican broadcasting.

Legacy and Passing

Ted Daley passed away in September 2025 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. His death marked the end of an era in Dominican media. Colleagues across the Caribbean described him as one of the region’s greatest radio entertainers, a figure who elevated Dominican broadcasting to a professional and cultural standard admired far beyond the island.

He left behind a legacy as the “GOAT of Dominican radio”, a phrase echoed in tributes. Daley’s contribution went beyond music selection; he provided a cultural education, uplifted listeners, and made radio a source of national identity. His influence continues to inspire broadcasters across the island, and his name remains synonymous with the golden age of Dominican radio.