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SAMS Radio 1 broadcasts a mixture of news, features and entertainment
SAMS Radio 1 broadcasts a mixture of news, features and entertainment, with live programming between 7am and 7pm every weekday.
SAMS Radio 1 was launched on 13th February 2013, World Radio Day, following over a month of test transmissions, making SAMS Radio 1 the islands oldest surviving radio station{1}. The first hosted show was Sunrise presented by Ashton Yon and Chloe Terry. Live Internet streaming (see below) began on 9th April 2013.
SAMS Radio 1 broadcasts live on most days from 7am to 7pm. At other times uninterrupted music is broadcast. Programming is largely music based with mostly modern music. Voluntary presenters create many of the programmes and receive professional training (see below). News is broadcast during the day on weekdays and at weekends.
International listener quote:
Here in North Carolina, USA, radio does really suck. Your station plays such a wide variety of music that is not available locally to me.
You can see a recent weekly schedule in our Read More section, below.
SAMS Radio 1 also broadcasts Legislative Council meetings, Public Accounts Committee Meetings and Elections live, on behalf of the Government of St Helena.
You can download the SAMS Radio 1 Full Rate CardⒾ (October 2021) and the SAMS Radio 1 Advertising Terms & ConditionsⒾ (September 2021).
If you find SAMS Radio 1 is not received clearly, you might find our guide How to get radio louder, clearer, betterⒾ helpful.
You can listen live to SAMS Radio 1 via the Internet. There is no charge for this service. A link can be found on the SAMS Website. Live Internet streaming began on 9th April 2013.
SAMS Radio 1 is funded by advertising revenue, supplemented by an annual subsidy provided by the Government of St Helena (under an open and transparent agreement which provides the Government of St Helena with no editorial control).
The importance of a strong local media also needs to be one that is able to prosper and develop in the commercial world. It is recognised that, with a small population and limited advertising opportunities, local radio require[s] an ongoing subsidy. This subsidy is justified as it is targeted to provide a key service to the Island, especially with comparatively low television and internet access and high electricity costs. For many on the Island radio is a vital medium to stay in touch.{b}
Below: Article: Training with Tony Leo Article: Radio 1 Academy Weekly Schedule
Training with Tony Leo
Social Media posting by SAMS 22nd March 2019{2}{c}
St Helenian Tony Leo, a BBC-trained radio presenter who used to work at Radio St Helena, has been helping to train our staff at SAMS Radio 1.
As part of this mornings training, part-time staff member Mic-kail Harris interviewed Tony about his work as a videographer. The training should help improve the sound quality and the quality of our interviews on SAMS Radio 1.
Radio 1 Academy
Published in The Sentinel, 13th April 2017{2}
Here is an example programme schedule, from July 2021:
Credits:
{a} Nirvana, Smells Like Teen Spirit{b} Media Review Report, September 2016{2}{c} Copyright © South Atlantic Media Services Ltd. (SAMS), used with permission.
Footnotes:
{1} The islands first radio station, Radio St Helena, closed on 25th December 2012 and the original SaintFM closed on 21st December 2012. SaintFM Community Radio (the current station) did not launch until 10th March 2013. So SAMS Radio 1 is our oldest surviving station.{2} @@RepDis@@