Radio Authority Approves KM Radio Acquisition

The Radio Authority has approved the Kent Messenger Group’s acquisition of South East Radio following an investigation to determin if the deal is in the public interest.

The Kent Messenger Group acquired South East Radio, which broadcasts Neptune Radio to Folkestone and Dover, in September, but the deal was blocked by the Radio Authority because it violated cross-media ownership regulations (see Radio Authority To “Test” KM Group).

The Kent Messenger Group publishes various local newspapers which circulate within the coverage area of South East Radio and under broadcasting law a local newspaper company cannot own a local radio station in the same area unless an investigation shows it to be in the public interest.

Following a public interest investigation the Radio Authority has concluded that the deal can go ahead provided that the plurality of news provision in the area is maintained and that no conditional selling between any Kent Messenger interest and South East Radio interest takes place.

Radio Authority: 020 7430 2724 www.radioauthority.org.uk

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