Kent Radio to stop broadcasting

A Difficult but Necessary Decision

It is with genuine sadness and deep regret, that we announce that Kent Radio will cease broadcasting and close its operations as of 28-06-2026.

This decision has not been made lightly. Over recent months, Kent Radio has been built with enormous passion, commitment and countless hours of voluntary work behind the scenes. What started as an ambitious vision to create a platform celebrating Kent, its people, businesses, music and stories became something we are immensely proud of.

However, despite the enthusiasm, support and dedication from our presenters, contributors and listeners, the financial reality of operating a radio station has become impossible to ignore.

Running a station involves ongoing costs across multiple areas including:

• Music licensing and broadcasting rights
• Streaming and infrastructure costs
• Website hosting and maintenance
• App services and platform support
• Audio processing and radio server costs
• Content storage and “listen again” services
• Marketing, promotion and administration

Alongside these operational expenses, licensing requirements have represented a significant ongoing commitment. Music licensing and broadcasting compliance costs, including PRS and PPL licensing obligations, are substantial and unavoidable for a station operating responsibly and legally.

Kent Radio has never carried debt and we want to make this absolutely clear:

The station is closing with no debts and no pending debts.

This decision is not being made because of financial difficulty in that sense — it is simply because the ongoing cost, time commitment and regulatory requirements can no longer be justified personally to continue operating the station sustainably.

Over the past months, every spare hour has gone into Kent Radio — often late into the night before early starts for full-time work the following day. While incredibly rewarding, it has reached a point where continuing in its current form is no longer realistic.

That said, there is one possible route that could allow Kent Radio to continue.

Could Kent Radio Be Saved?

If an individual, organisation or business wished to become a principal sponsor or funding partner capable of covering the station’s operating and licensing costs, we would be open to conversations.

This would not be about clearing debt — there is none.

It would simply be about creating a sustainable future that allows the platform, presenters and community built around Kent Radio to continue.

If you believe you may be able to support the future of Kent Radio through sponsorship, partnership or long-term funding, we would welcome hearing from you.

Finally, to every presenter, listener, supporter, business partner and person who gave us even a few minutes of their time:

Thank you.

You helped build something special.

We hope Kent Radio gave people confidence, friendships, opportunities and perhaps even helped some discover a passion they continue long into the future.

From all of us — thank you for being part of the journey.