A NAME change is in the air but it’s business as usual for KM Radio in Medway and West Kent. From September 2, Kent Messenger Group-owned Medway Mercury FM and Tonbridge Mercury FM will be broadcasting under a new name - KM-fm.

KM Radio acquired the Mercury stations in March 2002 with the proviso that the stations were re-named within six months.

Gavin de Carle, KM Radio Director said: “We have made significant changes to both Mercury stations since we took ownership in March. Our music is now much more varied and our news and information targeted specifically at the local area.

“The changes have gone down well with our listeners and we have seen an increase in listenership during April, May and June. The new KM-fm name reflects the KM Group’s confidence in these great local radio stations."

Programme controller Jon Maxfield said: “We want to impress upon our listeners that it’s only the name that is changing. The emphasis is very much on offering listeners the best music variety, local news and information.

“You can still find us in Medway broadcasting on 100.4fm/107.9fm, and in West Kent on 96.2fm/101.6fm. The message is: come and try it!”

The daytime line-up on both stations remains unchanged. In West Kent, breakfast presenter Neil Faraday, is followed by Nick Morrell mid morning and Toby Mackenzie in the afternoon. In Medway, the day starts with Ian James followed by Richard Allen and Paul Carter.

Listeners with news and community information can contact KM-fm in West Kent on 01732 369200 or in Medway on 01634 841111.

Information can also be dropped off for KM-fm at 1, East Street, Tonbridge (at the corner of East Street and High Street, and in Medway at Berkeley House, High Street, Rochester (opposite the old Post Office).