Emap has been working towards the move since taking control of the two Vibe stations as part of its acquisition of Scottish Radio Holdings in August 2005. The change will take place on Wednesday September 6.
The two Vibe stations' total audience has dropped significantly since the second quarter of 2005, when they achieved 4.64m combined listening hours and combined 5.2% share of listening. In the second quarter this year the figures were 3.74m combined listening hours and a combined 4% share of listening.
The new programming and presenter line-up is still under wraps, but Emap has said Kiss 101 in Bristol and Kiss 105-108 in East Anglia will have new local shows on weekdays and syndicate London shows at the weekends. Kiss 100 in London will have new weekday and weekend shows.
The expansion heralds a new logo and a new philosophy, summed up as 'First to move' by Kiss network managing director Bill Griffin.
The Kiss website is also in line for a major relaunch encompassing music, clubbing, entertainment and user-generated content. Currently , it will become .
There will be a fresh emphasis on the multi-platform nature of Kiss, which has also spawned a TV channel and mobile content, according to Griffin.
The radio programming revamp is being led by group programme director Andy Roberts, who has already made tweaks since returning to Kiss in May.
Kurt Edwards, commercial director, promised to deliver new options for advertisers.
He said: "The new Kiss radio network offers youth advertisers the chance to talk to 2.4m young adults every week - and with over 6m adults engaging with the Kiss brand every month through all its platforms, Kiss is a truly multi-platform youth offering," he said.
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