Metro FM


Metro FM is a national radio station in South Africa owned by the SABC.
The station broadcasts on FM Stereo as well as the DStv Bouquet Channel 801.

History

The station started broadcasting in October, 1986 as Radio Metro to compete with the now defunct Radio Bop. Playing a mix of urban contemporary and bubblegum pop Radio Bop was able to reach black audiences in parts of the Transvaal by broadcasting on the AM band from the "independent" bantustan of Bophuthatswana where it was licensed. This prompted the SABC's then white management to launch Radio Metro which was put on air in about six months, from the planning stages.
The station launched the careers of a number of radio celebrities including Bob Mabena, Shado Twala and Lawrence Dube.
Over the years the station has had a number of competitors, including in the very competitive Johannesburg radio market where two stations, Kaya FM and YFM, launched in mid/late 1990s have taken away some audience from Metro FM.
Metro sponsors the Metro FM Music Awards, the 2016 edition being the 15th. Known as Mabhena FM.

Broadcast time

7 DayAve. Mon-Fri
May 20135 713 0002 110 000
Feb 20135 722 0002 143 000
Dec 20125 763 0002 171 000
Oct 20126 013 0002 223 000
Aug 20126 252 0002 317 000
Jun 20126 423 0002 432 000