Saint FM: A lifeline for St Helena faces challenges amid efforts to secure its future

Saint FM Community Radio, a vital connection for the people of St Helena both on and off the island, is at risk of shutting down following the passing of its founder, Mike Olsson. Mike was a pillar of the local community and the voice of St Helena. FOTBOT volunteers had the pleasure of meeting with Mike in St Helena during our delegation in 2023. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone in St Helena.

FOTBOT team with Mike Olsson on Saint FM in 2023

Whilst the news has deeply affected the community in St Helena, efforts are now underway to attempt to secure the station’s future.

Saint FM began in its first form as Saint FM 94.7, and was the only independent radio station broadcasting on the island. It also was played on Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands after being relayed by stations there. Its operations commenced in January 2005 after three months of test transmissions, but closed in December 2012; citing the attitude of the St Helena Government towards private sector media and their support for government-financed media. The Government was funding the St Helena Broadcasting Corporation to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds at the time which presented competition challenges for private based media outlets.

However, in January 2013, a group of enthusiasts met and formulated a plan to revive Saint FM as a community-based radio station with a membership subscription, which launched in March 2013. The chairperson of the community radio, now Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, opened the radio.

On the 5th November 2024, Saint FM announced that its founder, Mike Olsson, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Mike, who had been the heart and soul of Saint FM for many years, requested that the news be shared with listeners, with radio management concluding that the station can no longer continue operating. Originally announced that it would cease broadcasting the following Friday, the station then announced it could continue broadcasting uninterrupted music and emergency announcements for a further week.

However, in January 2013, a group of enthusiasts met and formulated a plan to revive Saint FM as a community-based radio station with a membership subscription, which launched in March 2013. The chairperson of the community radio, now Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, opened the radio.

On the 5th November 2024, Saint FM announced that its founder, Mike Olsson, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Mike, who had been the heart and soul of Saint FM for many years, requested that the news be shared with listeners, with radio management concluding that the station can no longer continue operating. Originally announced that it would cease broadcasting the following Friday, the station then announced it could continue broadcasting uninterrupted music and emergency announcements for a further week.

The original Saint FM logo

Saint FM Community Radio logo

The late Mike Olsson

Since, there has been an outpouring of support on St Helena, highlighting that the potential loss of Saint FM will have a significant impact in keeping the island community connected to the world. As a response, Johnny Clingham, an St Helenian based in the UK, announced he would lead a plan to bring the radio station back and give it a sustainable future.

On the 14th November, the station announced via social media that a small group of radio enthusiasts from the island had been working on a proposal to keep the station alive, but requested community support to make it happen. Such efforts are primarily focused on transitioning the station into a community-powered station featuring volunteers stepping in to run operations and a crowdfunding campaign to address the station’s financial needs.

Johnny Clingham, who is leading the plan to save Saint FM, said:

“Our strategy includes reducing costs, implementing automation, and enabling remote control to assist the team on the ground, with the goal of transforming Saint FM into a true community-driven project. While we face significant challenges ahead, we are committed to giving it our best effort.”

On the 15th November, the group have announced that they have been successful in keeping Saint FM operating through to January 2025. Initially focused on maintaining playlists to keep the transmitters active and preserve the station’s broadcast licence, this approach ensures a basic service over Christmas and the New Year. It also provides the group with crucial time to work on developing a sustainable model. They aim to reintroduce voluntary presenter-based shows in the coming week, despite facing several challenges. The team remains hopeful and determined.

FOTBOT will work with the Saint FM team to provide updates and seek to support saving the station as further announcements are provided.