In June 2006 broadcasts commenced in Ascension Island on 91.4 MHz, locally re-broadcast by VT Merlin Communications.
The re-broadcast service was provided by KTV Ltd on the Falkland Islands under the title 'KTV Radio Nova Saint FM', and was extended to cover residents in the vicinity of RAF Mount Pleasant.
Keeping a private sector radio station on the air has always been difficult in St Helena and over the last two years or so it has become almost impossible as a result of the St Helena Government's attitude towards private sector media and its policy of supporting and favouring government financed media.
Despite Saint FM's undoubted popularity, world-wide broadcasting capability and successful involvement in community fund-raising projects the radio station's editorial policy to encourage open debate and expression of opinion has always been a point of controversy with the Island's government and other establishment interests.
It has become increasingly difficult to continue broadcasting as relations and co-operation with government have worsened in recent months and weeks.
Mike Olsson said it is the total effect of the continual and increasing number of obstacles and awkwardness put in the path of the daily job and increasing the workload which makes you wonder if all the hours needed to keep a private sector radio station on the air can be sustained.
Mike added that recent difficulties with Cable & Wireless, who repeatedly closed down transmission of Saint FM while working on equipment at High Knoll Fort, caused a great deal of unnecessary extra work in order to sort the problem out.
He also stated that, while the governor's Christmas message was in no way a reason for closing down Saint FM, the very fact that Mark Capes should use a Christmas message as an advert for government financed media shows very clearly the attitude of certain key officials within government towards private sector media and the private sector in general.
The majority of programming was music-based, with a significant number of requests being played for islanders from relatives and friends overseas and vice versa.