[cma-l] Saint FM - help to keep us alive

[Johnny Clingham]

> All
> This is probably an unusual request or discussion on the mailing list however it is worth a go. For those of you who are not familiar with Saint FM community radio we are a small community radio station that broadcast to a very small group of listeners on the overseas British Island St Helena we transmit on FM locally on St Helena and Ascension Island also broadcasting on a digital channel across a TV network on the Falkland Islands. Saint FM was originally set up by the late Johnny Drummond, and was opened in July 2004. After Johnny Drummond passed on the management came under Mike Olsson, who had fought vigorously for many years to work with St. Helena Government, who continuously demonstrated lack of support, however in December 2012 Mike made the decision to close Saint FM, mainly due to the creation and soon to follow, opening of SHG’s (St Helena Government’s) own radio station (SAMS)
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> The closure of Saint FM in December 2012 left the residents of St. Helena without a radio station and more importantly without a communication link.  The island’s community made several requests to Mike Olsson to reopen, due to the lack of news and information being communicated, but to no avail.  This uproar and cry of discontent continued, until a group of volunteers came together in mid-January 2013, to discuss the possibility of reopening the station.   It was a huge challenge, there were no finances, and therefore funds would need to be generated to kick-start the venture; in addition the launch of SAMS was imminent, which meant that income generated from advertising would be competed for, which would increase the financial risks.
> Several meetings took place and it was hoped that we would operate as a charitable organisation; however this was declined, by the charities commission, which consisted of SHG employees.  Legal advice was then sought and it was suggested that we proceed as a company limited by guarantee.  This would enable us the right to fundraise to generate income.  Our company status was approved; however we then had the arduous task of applying for a broadcasting licence.  A number of obstacles were placed before us, the first being the non-refundable fee for a licence of £480, which required the commitment from our volunteers as at that time no funds had been generated.  A business case was requested, which we were not keen in producing, knowing full well that those scrutinising the case would be the eyes of our competitors.  Approval in principle was given in the first instance, however after much liaison and exchanging of additional information, full approval was given in late February/early March. 
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> Saint FM Community Radio firstly had to arrange for transmitters to be erected around the island, followed by test transmissions; therefore Saint FM officially recommenced broadcasting on 10th March 2013 on a momentous Mother’s Day.  At 8am the Chairman made her official opening speech, which was received by numerous telephone calls, emails and verbal comments, congratulating the committee for making the right decision. 
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> Saint FM commenced operations, with only two full-time staff members, but was determined to man the station from 7am to 7pm with an overnight playlist, providing entertainment 24/7. 
> St. Helena is undergoing drastic change, it is a British Overseas Territory, who in 2011 received funding from the British Government for an international airport to be designed, built and operated. 
> Tourism has been very low key, but with the introduction of our own international airport this will no longer be the case, hence it is so important that the community of St. Helena are kept informed of the opportunities, challenges and changes expected.  Saint FM could be the driver in ensuring that this happens, but as mentioned earlier, with lack of resources, namely finances and equipment, which is a sensitive issue due to the lack of support from our Government we are unable to deliver the media package we have every intention of providing. 
>  We were and remain mindful that restarting a radio station with old equipment that had been well used 24/7 since 2004 was a huge jeopardy.  This decision was not taken lightly by the newly formed committee; however with sheer determination and dedication the creation of Saint FM Community Radio came into fruition.  We were able to overcome the official procedures that hindered our commencement, but from recent events unfolding it is evident that we are still being faced with constant obstacles which make it difficult to survive.
> Our Government have created an unlevel playing field, through the introduction of their own media, SAMS Limited which operates both a radio station and a newspaper, which is 100% subsidised.  They have access to unlimited funds of our taxpayers money, therefore were able to purchase new equipment, hire more staff, and yet provide the exact same products and services that we do.   They are allowed to operate as a commercial radio but get funded by SHG, which creates direct and unfair competition.  What they lack however, is the support of the community, which is the precise asset that Saint FM has acquired, which enables us to plod on.   
> It is the desire of the majority of our community to have access to independent media.  Radio reaches people in all walks of life wherever they are instantly, and Saint FM creates just that.  It has built a bridge across the world and continues to be the link to those who are away from home.  The regular requests for family and friends is evidence of this coupled with the number of international members we have generated and the generous donations received. 
> The main reason for submitting this to the mailing list is we are seeking assistance/ information that can be provided to us to help keep us alive.
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> We are interested in any stations that might be closing down who might have use equipment for sale.
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> We are also interested in obsolete equipment or what might be obsolete to modern radio stations and we are willing pay or if you are willing to donate any serviceable obsolete kit this would be welcome with open arms. We have a great demand for a telephone hybrid link at Saint FM, we desperately need to replace our main studio mixing desk that is now more than 10 years old. We are also seeking anything that might be lying redundant in your storerooms
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> We are happy to arrange collection and delivery with in the UK as we have a UK voluntary representative who will manage the processing for us.
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> Johnny Clingham - On behalf of Saint FM Community Radio
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