92 | Southern Enterprise Awards 2022 Sep22054 106.9 SFM is the local community radio station for Sittingbourne, based in Kent. Run entirely by volunteers, the station has been broadcasting full-time since July 2012 and provides music, news, local information, and entertainment 24 hours-a-day. As an Ofcom licensed Community Radio Station, 106.9 SFM provides: a local service for the good of the community that delivers social gain. It is a service which does not make any financial profit and uses any profit for the provision of the service. All members of the local community are provided with opportunities to participate in the service (with provision made to individuals who are otherwise underserved by other broadcasting services). 106.9 SFM is a great platform for discussion and expression of local opinion/s in local matters. It is also accessible training to volunteers in both broadcast and administrative roles, and it offers a service which promotes a better understanding of our local communities – and strengthens the links and support mechanisms within them. “The radio station is a vital local community resource that not only informs but entertains and provides companionship to the lonely and/ or socially isolated in the Sittingbourne area too,” elaborates Station Director Peter Flynn. “It is well documented that loneliness and isolation can have a huge effect on people’s physical and mental health. The relationships we have with friends, family, colleagues, and our neighbours give us a sense of belonging and well-being.” These feelings of isolation and loneliness are something that were especially highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. Peter and the team at the radio station were quick to recognise and tackle this issue with an outreach project in conjunction with Swale CVS, the local volunteer centre, to identify those in need of some companionship. 106.9 SFM’s USP is that it is formed from the local community, and to this end it can identify the community’s needs and provide them both on and off air. This ranges from local news, traffic and travel and discussion through to projects in the community and also via the station’s website and its roadshow unit, which attends lots of various local events. Recently, the radio station was rewarded for its commitment and hard work to the community of Sittingbourne by being recognised in the Southern Enterprise Awards 2022 and crowned with the prestigious title of Best Local Community Radio Station – Kent. Peter is unduly proud of this accolade and he is quick to sing the praises of the dedicated team who have helped to make the station what it is today. “106.9 SFM wouldn’t be able to broadcast without the amazing people who give up their free time to come in and volunteer on a regular basis,” he enthuses. “We are a community radio station run completely by its volunteers, which means that we are always looking for new members to join our exciting and enthusiastic team.” In return for volunteers giving up their time, the station offers excellent opportunities for any budding radio presenters, or for people who already have some experience of working in the broadcasting industry and would like to give something back to their local community. Regarding the future, Peter has plans to improve the station’s reception in the outlying areas of Sittingbourne, to provide a service on DAB Digital Radio and also to improve the iOS/Android App. “We celebrated our 10th Birthday in July 2022 and are looking forward to our next 10 years of serving our community.” Contact: Peter Flynn Company: Sittingbourne Community Radio Ltd (106.9 SFM) Web Address: www.sfmradio.com Diligently serving the community for the last decade, 106.9 SFM recently gained recognition in the Southern Enterprise Awards 2022 for the steadfast service it has provided to the local area. We find out more from Station Manager, Peter Flynn. Best Local Community Radio Station – Kent 106.9 RADIO bourne ONLINE | APP | SMARTSPEAKER “Providing free radio sets to those in need during those dark days helped to brighten up their lives and to keep them informed on the pandemic and the outside world.”
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