EKR

EKR Originally Broadcast to the European Continent from Maidstone in Kent, England via the Astra Satelli

EKR’s history began when East Kent Radio Limited was formed to apply for the re-advertisement of the east Kent licence in October 1994, which was held by Invicta Radio Limited. Keen on promoting Digital Radio (DAB) From October 1997 to January 1999 we ran an experimental radio service on the Astra satellite from The Maidstone Studios under the call sign of “ EKR ” and “ Night Tracks ”. The station was also broadcast with local programming opt-outs and commercials on a one-month trial FM broadcast to Maidstone in October 1997 and to London during January 1998. It could also be received on the experimental digital radio (DAB) multiplex across London . This provided us with valuable audience research and operational experience. Into the millennium we continued to lobby the UK Regulators for Ashford, Kent in the UK and the surrounding areas to be included in the new licensing programme, EKR Ashford was born. The licence advertisement and application procedure was submitted in July 2004, and was won by another applicant. Undeterred EKR went online in June 2008 with four themed Rockstreams and continues to do so while promoting new UK DAB services. Our motivation and incentive has always been to give new and unsigned Rock Bands a chance and opportunity to promote themselves on our Rock Radio Platform.

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM EKR – 4th March 2026Stand-by for big changes coming to EKR later this week. On Friday 6th March, E-K...
04/03/2026

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM EKR – 4th March 2026

Stand-by for big changes coming to EKR later this week.
On Friday 6th March, E-K-R will commence test broadcasts right across Kent and South East London on D-A-B in preparation for the launch of our full EKR Rock Radio Service on DAB in Kent and South East London in the first week of April.

Our normal broadcasts on-line and on your smart-speakers will continue in parallel with the new D-A-B service but there will a period of test broadcasting as we prepare for the new service.

If you live in the area all you have to do is to hit the scan button on your DAB radios from Friday onwards. It would also be great if you could please tell your friends in Kent and South East London to tune in as well.

Unlike some local DAB services, our broadcasts will be receivable on all forms of DAB radios no matter how old they are! So, dust off those old DAB radios or buy a new one!

Get ready for a rock radio listening revolution coming soon to your D-A-B radios in the South East.

Please note, our current EKR services streaming on the internet at ekr.net will run in parallel with the new DAB service.

11/02/2026

Address

Canterbury
CT46DH

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when EKR posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category