Every relationship has a start, apparently, so...here's ours: Hi. We're Afan FM, Neath Port Talbot's New Generation Music Station. We take sport very seriously. So seriously in fact, we're going to give it it's own email address. But more on that later.

We've asked to be part of Port Talbot Town's season this year and we're going to go with you every step of the way. In relationship terms, we're the crazy but attractive younger sibling of your current significant other and however much you try, you just can't avoid us. Those that have tuned in already know this for a fact. We are going to be the first and final word on the Steelmen and the other teams in the area.

If you can't get to the away games (for 10 points: just where is Llangefni?) We're the first port of call, keeping you informed, updated and occasionally entertained. Midweek game? We've got you covered, with the best music sound tracking every goal, highlight and interview. During the week, you'll see us around town armed with a microphone asking you what you think about things going on at your club. As for Saturday home games...well, we know where you'll be.

What else have we got? We've got news of every other team in the area. You name them, we've got them. We've got the quickest, most concise round up of American sport, roundups and updates of every major British league, plus informed debate about the Welsh Premier and the world and as if that lot wasn't enough, we give you a soapbox – if it bothers you and it's sporting, we want to know.

So where are we? 107.9FM on a Saturday, 2-6, and we don't want you to be cool about it – getting our number and waiting three days to get in contact – That is no longer cool. Apparently. Diving straight in and retuning every radio you have is the new black. In fact, try it now. Tune in for 5 minutes, and you'll more than likely hear the best music in the South Wales area (i.e. No Abba).

You could also be reading this on www.porttalbottown.co.uk or the match programme. We'll be giving a media view on things at ReMax and the wider football world, which, going back to that relationship thing, is like us flirting at you BUT we want you to talk back. This time round, we want your views on the season ahead. Is the squad deep enough? Which midfielder will be the main attacking threat? Should Pennock grow a beard? Deep issues like that. We'll publish the best and worst in the next column. Write us at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Until Next Time
Hash
107.9 AfanFM Sports Editor
Touchline – 1400-1800 Saturdays

17th July 2007
And now : Celebrity Juggling!
Recently, there was news of the TV blackout. In their wisdom, they have chosen not to broadcast TNS, Rhyl or Carmarthen's early European games. Such a situation would be unthinkable in any other European country and I was a fan of any of those sides, I'd be fuming.

It seems TV companies (BBC, ITV, S4C, Sky and the “saviour” Setanta) will not support the Welsh game, preferring instead to have yet another “celebrity” show (watch as the backing dancer from East 17 tries to eat insects on ice -on ITV tonight!) or another “talent” show (how is Britain's Got Talent presented by Ant and Dec?) than showcase legitimate sporting and social effort.

I guarantee that if Port Talbot or any of 107.9 Afan FM's clubs make it to Europe, we'll be there before they ask us. Regardless of the opposition, European nights are SPECIAL and should be treated as such. The lack of ambition, choosing instead to milk the premium rate cash cow is the sorry state that TV is in. I hope that the clubs involved go through and they then have the spine to NOT negotiate with those who have not shown any respect to them at the early stage.

Surely, at the very least, TNS' Champions' League games should be on TV? If ITV or Sky, as TV rights holders don't want to show the game, they should invite S4C to show the game? What does the FAW do now? If Port Talbot finish top 3, will there be a similar blackout? Not from this end, there won't be. The problem is, that if it isn't the instant gratification of the English Premiership, TV executives see it as a risk. Now, if you don't mind, I'm off to practice my juggling, and I'll be on TV before TNS!

What's your view of the Blackout? Is this a precedent coming seasons? With all the football leaving the BBC, should 2W snap up some Welsh games? Isn't it weird that a team formally known as Total Network Solutions can't get on a network? sport@afanfm.co.uk

Until Next Time
Hash
107.9 AfanFM Sports Editor
Touchline – 1400-1800 Saturdays