Saint FMCommunity Radio is a radio station serving the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena. The station is owned by Saint FM Community Radio Limited, a charity company legally registered in St. Helena and limited by guarantee. The station's studios and administration offices are located at Association Hall, Main Street, Jamestown. Its membership comprises those of the island's population who wish to join.
History
Following the closure of the original Saint FM on 21 December 2012 it was widely felt that the island had need of a non-government-operated independent radio station. On 15 January 2013 a group of radio enthusiasts met at Association Hall and a management committee was formed with the goal to get Saint FM back on air. The idea of a community-owned and operated station emerged and in The Independent newspaper on 18 January 2013 it was announced: "It’s Official – SaintFM is Coming Back". A broadcasting licence application was made in mid-January 2013 with a license being granted on Friday 22 February. The station commenced test transmissions in Jamestown on 106.7 MHz on 23 February 2013 and also on 93.1 MHz, and 95.1 MHz on 9 March. The official launch was at 8am on Sunday 10 March 2013.
Opening
The station officially opened at a few minutes after 8am on Sunday 10 March 2013. After an opening greeting by Les Baldwin the first track played was The Show Must Go On by Queen, the chairperson of Saint FM Community Radio, Julie Thomas, delivered a welcoming speech.
Membership
Saint FM Community Radio offers membership to all who wish to join. As of 26 April 2013 membership stood at 716, making it the largest community group on St. Helena.
Fundraising
Saint FM Community Radio relies on advertising income, membership fees, fundraising and donations to keep it operational. One such fundraising activity was Tony Leo's “Radio Marathon”; broadcasting non-stop for 27 hours Tony raised much-needed funds for the station. Tony's record was beaten on 22-23 May 2015 by Les Baldwin who managed 32 hours. Other events have included tea parties, dances, raffles, concerts and a ‘Market Day’.
Frequencies and coverage
106.7 MHz from Association Hall, Jamestown, serving Jamestown, The Briars and some parts of Alarm Forest
95.1 MHz from 'Foxy's Garage', serving Longwood and the East of the island
91.1 MHz serving Blue Hill and Sandy Bay.
Saint FM Community Radio is also available worldwide via . On TuneIn and on Android devices on the Saint FM App Saint FM Community Radio is also rebroadcast in the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island. Both these places have a substantial population of 'Saints'. Expansion: Release of Saint FM to the Apple Store for iOS devices aimed for later in 2020.
