A RADIO consortium has launched a twin bid for radio stations in Kent. Absolute Radio Kent (AR-Kent), a company established by Absolute Radio UK and Kent-based Vibe Broadcasting, is bidding for new FM licences in Maidstone and Ashford.

The new Maidstone station, called go-fm, would target 35 - 49 year olds with a music mix tailored to their tastes, coupled with local news and information.

The name and format for Ashford will be announced in 2003 after further research and consultation.

The Maidstone and Ashford licence applications are two of eight new radio licences that AR-UK is pursuing over the next 14 months. AR-UK is backed by Absolute Radio International (ARI), Ulster TV plc (UTV) and German-owned Eurocast to the tune of more than £1 million.

As well as Maidstone and Ashford in Kent, AR-UK is intending to bid for radio licences in the West Midlands, Glasgow, Cornwall, North Norfolk and Norwich, and Blackburn. It recently lost its bid for the West Kent radio licence to the Kent Messenger Group.

There are three other bidders for the Maidstone licence - Radio for Maidstone (Maid FM), 20/20 FM and Maidstone Local Radio.