National

Island FM Closes Its Doors After 2 Decades

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For 23 years, it’s been the official home of Bahamian music, but, after tomorrow, Island FM will sign off for good.

Published

2 months ago

January 31, 2023

Jerome Sawyer

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For 23 years, it’s been the official home of Bahamian music, but, after tomorrow, Island FM will sign off for good.

The radio station is closing down for economic reasons, taking with it one of the greatest platforms for things Bahamian in the country.

One of its former employees – our Jerome Sawyer takes us on a final journey.

Twenty-three years ago, Sir Charles Carter took an incredible risk when he hit the airwaves with an all-Bahamian radio station – Island FM.

On February 1, 2023, 102.9 FM will sign off for good.

Eddie Cater is the station’s Program Director and son of the late Charles Carter. He blames the painful decision on steadily declining business, and what he calls a lack of appreciation for things Bahamian.

The station – one of the earliest private radio stations in the market, is best known for great Bahamian music, and unique programming. In fact, it hosted the only political debate between the two major party leaders in 2002 – a feat yet to be revisited.

Within the first decade, the Island FM Radio newsroom established itself as a powerhouse, eventually giving birth to Newsbreak, known 20 years later as Our News.

Its closure is in many ways, the end of an era and a dream.

The junior Carter says he hopes Island FM remerges one day in the future – in a different form – but still as a platform for great Bahamian music and talent.