Sunny Govan radio station gets FM slot

Having broadcast over the internet for four weeks every summer since launching in 1998, Sunny Govan has built a worldwide reputation.

And the station has now been awarded one of just 107 FM licences across the UK.

Last year Sunny Govan Radio played host to a community radio station from Jordan, welcomed local radio stations from China and Nigeria, and in January was visited by 25 Oxfam trustees interested in how it deals with issues of poverty and crime.

Only two other local radio stations in Strathclyde have been granted FM licences - the West End's VIP Radio and Revival in Cumbernauld.

Sunny Govan has a 12-hour-a-day schedule, with project manager Heather McMillan being especially proud of its outreach work, Voices For Change, which gives a platform for local groups to speak out.

Heather said: "By staying independent we have no one to answer to, making sure we can talk about issues we feel need aired without worrying about answering to authority.

"It's vital in an area like Govan that people have a voice and something to really feel proud of."

The station has blossomed since first opening in a tiny corner of south east Govan.

Heather began by collecting a directory of community groups in the area.

The 45-year-old said: "It seemed a terrible pity there was nothing out there to publicise them so the idea of Sunny Govan Radio was born."

Initially Heather was the only full-time member of staff and survived on a grant from the Govan Initiative project.

Now there are two full-time and one part-time staff supported by more than 100 volunteers.

Students from Cardonald College pass through on work experience and anyone from the area can come to lend a hand.

Heather added: "We very much have an open door policy and volunteers learn as they go.

"Our FM licence is going to make a massive difference to the people of Govan - it's time for their voices to be heard."

Tune into Sunny Govan Radio on 103.5FM or see www.sunnygovan.org