More than 60 jobs are under threat as a family-run newspaper publisher becomes the latest to announce possible redundancies.

The Kent-based KM Group says that 61 jobs across all departments together with four district offices and two kmfm-branded radio station studios could go in response to the current economic climate.

According to its website kentonline.co.uk, revenues are down by 30pc, costing the firm £9m.

Under the threat of closure are offices in Dover, Faversham, Sittingbourne and Tunbridge Wells and the two radio studios based in Maidstone and Tonbridge. The stations will continue to broadcast from a larger studio.

There will be a restructure of editorial operations with work from the district offices being transferred to some of the company's larger offices across Kent.

A formal consultation process is now underway with staff.

Managing director Chris Bisco said: "The media landscape is also changing and we have to re-gear ourselves to take up some exciting new market opportunities.

"We have a unique opportunity. We are the only media business in Kent that can offer integrated news, information and advertising services through press, radio and the internet for our readers, listeners, web visitors and customers."

Chairman Geraldine Allinson added: "We hate to make anyone redundant but we have no alternative given the drop in our revenues if we are to maintain the strength of the company in the future.

"If our proposal goes ahead, we believe that the company has an exciting future. We would still employ over 580 people and have the most journalists and the biggest commercial staff of any media operation in Kent."

KM Group's titles include the Medway Messenger and Kentish Gazette.

It says its newspapers have a total weekly readership of 927,000 while its seven radio stations attract 154,000 listeners a week.