SFM supporters at a charity football match last year

by Rachael Woods

sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk

The dream of a community radio station for Sittingbourne looks set to become reality in 2012.

After nine years waiting in the wings, founder Peter Flynn is anticipating launching SFM in the summer, when a frequency is given by regulator Ofcom.

He wants to recruit up to 30 volunteers to man the station and is looking for radio presenters and producers, as well as administration staff.

He is encouraging job seekers to apply for positions, which will offer valuable media experience for those looking for a new career in the new year.

The 46-year-old has broadcast a number of trial programmes over the years, as well as taken SFM out on the road this year supporting the Sittingbourne Carnival and the Christmas lights switch-on in Central Avenue.

A radio veteran, who has worked for Capital Gold, Talk Radio and Heart, Peter is aiming to offer something different from the big guns on the airwaves.

His vision is for a hyper-local radio station that puts events in Sittingbourne at the heart of its programming.

He said: "We want to be the first station that people tune into if they want local news.

"It will be a chance for people to get their voices heard on local issues and we will hold regular phone-ins on subjects such as the regeneration of the town centre.

"People can give their views on air about the things that really matter in Sittingbourne."

His musical offering will be designed to have a wide appeal.

Peter said: "We will be playing tracks from the '60s to modern music, so that we appeal to people of all ages."

With negotiations under way to secure a premises in the High Street, Peter is confident that the long wait will soon be over.

• To follow SFM on twitter go to twitter.com/SFMRadio or visit the website www.sfmradio.com