KM RADIO is proving popular, with more people than ever tuning in to the five independent local stations owned and run by the Kent Messenger Group.

Latest annual listening figures issued by RAJAR (Radio Joint Authority Research Ltd) this month, reveal increases in listenership, particularly for the Mercury FM stations in Medway and Tonbridge, acquired earlier this year by the KM Group.

Overall, KM Radio listenership is up by more than 16 per cent, year on year to 150,000 listeners a week.

In Medway, the audience grew by more than a third, while the Tonbridge station has increased its listenership by almost a quarter.

There has been steady growth for KM stations in east Kent, with TLR, in Thanet, recording an average weekly increase in listenership of almost 20 per cent.

In Canterbury, CTFM showed a year on year upturn in listening hours from a weekly average of 140.9 to 157.3 hours. Neptune, which broadcasts in the Folkestone and Dover area is also proving a hit. Weekly listenership has gone up by 14.1 per cent.

KM Radio director, Gavin de Carle said: “The programme changes implemented at the two former Mercury stations have shown early, positive results, giving us confidence that our local strategy is appealing to the local market places.

“Offering the best music variety, coupled with improved local news and travel content is a winning formula."

KM Group chief executive, David Lewis commented: “One of our strengths is the ability to be so local. This is something the Kent Messenger Group has always been utterly determined about.

“Our radio format has been built on the same model as our local newspapers - very local, very relevant with great music and a cracking good news service too."

The KM Group has also introduced a Sight and Sound sales package that allows advertisers to benefit from both its radio and newspaper media.