SAM Radio is a radio station for autistic people, by autistic people and two of the individuals we support, Sarah and Martine, have their own shows on the station. Sheilah from SAM Radio has written a little about the station in this blog post and Sarah and Martine share their experiences of running their shows.

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Sheilah

Last year we started a new community internet radio station where all the presenters are adults on the Autistic Spectrum. The station called SAM (Scottish Autistic Media) Radio is the first of its kind in Scotland based in St Margaret’s House Edinburgh.

The station is managed by Paul Ross with the help of his family. Paul, who holds a degree in sound engineering and who himself has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is able to work the technical desk for the presenters who prefer not to. The purpose of SAM Radio is two-fold. We air a variety of music and provide listeners with a platform where they can represent themselves. At the same time, we offer presenters the opportunity to learn how to produce and broadcast their own radio show.

After our first year we have 18 presenters and 8 co-hosts that come along every week to broadcast their own show. The shows provide a variety of music, talk and guest interviews from other relevant organisations.

Sarah

I started SAM Radio in June last year and I present a show about music facts. Lots of people have shows about different topics such as football, showbiz and storytelling. Some people interview guests and a lot of shows play music. My shows always have a theme e.g. Oscars, birthdays and workout songs. I play all decades of music but I like the 80s and 90s the best. With SAM Radio I went to the Forth Awards in 2016 where I saw Simple Minds, Paul Carrack and Paul Young. Going to the Forth Awards was a great experience.

Martine

I visited the SAM Radio on the 22 February 2017. I now present the show every Thursday morning – the show is also repeated on a Monday at 10am. I already listen to other radio stations, so I was very pleased to start presenting my own show.

I have enjoyed presenting the show and have also played some music for the listeners. My show has a topic each week which I discuss with the staff. I am going to interview the staff who support me every Thursday. I play different music which I choose the night before the show.

I do shout outs for different people. I enjoy the show.

To find out more about SAM Radio or to listen in, visit their website or Facebook page. Or you can contact info@samradio.org