Saint FM Community Radio has been a longstanding connection and a vital part of the St Helena community since its inception in 2004. Its primary focus is fostering connections among listeners worldwide who share a common interest in St Helena, whether as family members, expatriates, or admirers of the island.
Like many community radio stations, Saint FM has faced numerous challenges over the years to sustain its operations but has proven to remain resilient.
In November 2024, the station was set to close for the second time. This announcement was made due to the sudden illness followed by the passing of Mike Olsson one of the key founders of Saint FM and the St Helena Independent Newspaper. The Custodian who inherited Saint FM confirmed that Mike’s illness and passing had left Saint FM without the resources to continue so it was time to close.
The closure date was decided, and the announcement saddened listeners both on and off the island, as they braced for the loss of one of St Helena’s most important communication links. However, in a last-minute decision just before the planned shutdown, a new plan emerged to keep the station alive temporarily.
A group of dedicated passionate volunteers drafted a proposal to continue Saint FM’s operations until early January. This interim plan relied on a blend of volunteer support and if needed minimal paid assistance. It included broadcasting musical entertainment, public announcements, and general information, with remote management by an operational team. The proposal outlined that the station would restart with a soft start launch and without any historical financial obligations, relying entirely on public fundraising to survive when it reopened, which meant on day one which was the 29th November 2024, there was no money in the organisation.
Before the closure, Saint FM was a locally operated media service business with two full-time staff members and revenue income from advertising was used for financing operational survival. For a time, Lord Michael Ashcroft, KCMG, provided funding that helped sustain operations. Despite its challenges, Saint FM consistently delivered round-the-clock entertainment, talk shows, local news, and valuable programming to listeners in St Helena, Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands, and an international audience.
The station remains a cornerstone of the community, adapting to the changing needs of its audience and documenting key developments on the island. Today, over 25 volunteer presenters, locals and visitors of all ages contribute to the station’s diverse weekly programming. Their dedication ensures that Saint FM remains a true community radio station, offering a rich mix of content that reflects the spirit and resilience of St Helena.