THE Radio Authority have confirmed that Kent and Sussex Radio Limited have retained their licence to broadcast as KM-fm to the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area.

The station is owned by KM Radio Limited, part of the Kent Messenger Group. KM chief executive David Lewis said: “We are delighted that the Radio Authority has granted us the licence for another term.

"We are committed to providing the very best local radio service for the community, delivering really relevant local news and information about the Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area to our local listeners.”

Gavin de Carle, KM Radio director, said: "The radio station has really improved since we acquired it back in March. The team at West Kent’s KM-fm have worked hard and there is growing evidence that more listeners are tuning in. There are more improvements planned for this year.

“We are convinced the Radio Authority will now see KM-fm prosper to its full potential. The support we received from local organisations and businesses in our licence re-application is appreciated.”

KMG acquired the station, formerly branded Mercury, from the GWR Group in a move which increased its radio operation to five stations in kent. The others are TLR Thanet, CTFM Canterbury, Neptune Folkestone and Dover and KM-fm medway.