Island FM’s new studio complex in St Peter Port has been officially opened by Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor.
His Excellency Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB CBE (pictured) was among the first guests to visit the station’s new premises on The Bordage on Monday (24 June).
The new building is a substantial investment in local broadcasting by Island FM‘s owners, Tindle Radio – which also owns Jersey’s Channel 103 and classic hits service Soleil Radio, which serves the Channel Islands.
Island FM had operated from its original studios in St Sampson since the station first went on air in 1992.
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- Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor His Excellency Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB CBE is shown Island FM’s studio by presenter David Francis
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- Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor His Excellency Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB CBE alongside Island FM journalist Holly Brown
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- Island FM presenters David Francis, Carl Ward and James Bentley pictured with Island FM founder Kevin Stewart
Declaring the studios open, the Lieutenant-Governor said, “Investing in something so state-of the-art, so right-up-to-the-minute is a very special thing in Guernsey and perhaps doesn’t happen as often as it possibly should do.
“I am a huge supporter of radio, particularly in small communities. As a soldier, in the past, I have lived in some of those small communities and that voice really does make a difference to an individual.
“The way in which it promotes social connection between people is hugely, hugely important.
“Thank you for this huge vote of confidence in our community.”
Island FM’s managing director, James Keen, added, “In a world of media consolidation, it is a rare occasion to be able to open a new radio station building – and our new location in the heart of St Peter Port underscores Island FM’s commitment to be even closer to our listeners and advertisers.”