HOT 102.7FM has secured approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to amend its commercial broadcasting licence, allowing the station to significantly increase the proportion of Old Skool and R&B music it broadcasts.
The amendment, which took effect on 1 August 2026, changes HOT 102.7FM’s licensed music format from a 50/50 split between classical music and Old Skool and R&B to 85% Old Skool and R&B and 15% classical music.
The station submitted its application to ICASA in September 2024, as part of a strategy led by founder and managing director Lloyd Madurai to develop a more focused commercial radio proposition.
“We thank ICASA and its Council for the considered manner in which they assessed our application,” says Madurai. “This amendment allows us to align our licensed format much more closely with the music our listeners choose HOT 102.7FM for, while continuing to honour the Classical music component of our licence.”
Great scope to build audience
The station says the amended licence gives it greater scope to build on its existing audience and commercial proposition. According to BrandMapp, HOT 102.7FM reaches an estimated 710 000 regular listeners, representing an 11% footprint in Gauteng.
The licence change also comes after a period of industry recognition for the station. HOT 102.7FM was named 2025 Commercial Radio Station of the Year at the Telkom Radio Awards, won seven awards at the 2026 New York Festivals Radio Awards and was named a News24 South African Growth Champion for the second consecutive year.
As part of the format change, the station has refreshed its evening and weekend programming. Patrick Heyworth, Steve Bishop, Justin Toerien, Ursula Chikane and Shane Wellington will take on new or expanded shows.
Landmark moment
Classical music will remain part of the schedule, with Carolyn Steyn continuing to host the overnight Classical music slot from 01:00 to 05:00 daily. The programme will include classical favourites, show tunes, jazz standards, classic songs and movie themes.
“This is a landmark moment for the station,” says Madurai. “It gives us significantly greater scope to strengthen an already successful radio product and deliver even more value to our listeners, advertisers and partners.”
The amendment brings HOT 102.7FM’s licensed music format closer to the Old Skool and R&B positioning around which the station has built its audience and commercial strategy.
