Metro FM

Metro FM is one of the largest national and commercial radio stations in South Africa. It attracts an average of 3.1 million listeners per month and broadcasts across South Africa on FM stereo and also on the DStv bouquet channel 181.

Metro FM 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.

Over the years the station has had to compete with new players on the radio dial, including the very competitive Johannesburg radio market where two stations, Khaya FM and YFM, launched in mid to late 1990s, have taken away some listeners that would have normally gravitated towards Metro FM.