About MKFM
History of MKFM
MKFM began broadcasting on 2 July 2011 on 107FM in Milton Keynes as part of a 28 days restricted service licence. A campaign was launched with the slogan 'On a mission to bring local radio back to Milton Keynes' with listeners asked to support the station's bid for a full-time FM licence. The station continued the campaign with further trial broadcasts in December 2011, July 2012, December 2012, May 2013 and December 2014 on 107FM.
MKFM began test transmissions on DAB Digital Radio across Herts, Beds, Bucks and Northants on 14 February 2013, before launching as a full-time service in May of the same year. MKFM was part of the launch of the local DAB multiplex when Milton Keynes Dons chairman Pete Winkelman and MP Iain Stewart switched on the transmitter in a ceremony at Bletchley Park.
MKFM applied to Ofcom for a full-time FM licence during December 2014.This followed a debate in Parliament by local MP Iain Stewart in May 2014 asking the broadcast regulator to speed up the application process for community radio stations to broadcast on FM. The station's licence application was announced to be successful on 19 March 2015 and the station hoped to begin test transmissions on FM during Summer 2015.
On Saturday 27 June 2015, MKFM announced that it would be moving into new premises at intu Milton Keynes. The new studios meant more space for the stations operations and enabled the team to train even more volunteers, run community radio workshops and coach presenters. The existing MKFM Pod remained at Stadium MK and has been used for regular outside broadcasts, coverage of sports and arena events.
Transmissions were switched from the Pod at Stadium MK to the station's new studio on Monday 17 August 2015 at intu Milton Keynes. On the same day, MKFM launched its new Breakfast Show with Oliver, Darren & Lia with John Cove from the MK Dons being the first guest in the new studio.
MKFM officially launched on 106.3FM at 6am on Monday 7 September 2015.
In November 2019, the MKFM studios moved back to Stadium MK; home to MK Dons Football club, 304-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, 3,420m2 Marshall Arena, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Milton Keynes and MK Dons Sport & Education Trust.
MKFM’s goal is to provide a radio service which is the first choice for listening for our target community and to use this audience to provide social gain by promoting and supporting the work of local charities and community groups and helping local businesses, musicians, and sports teams. Our team are trained by experienced radio professionals and given ongoing coaching to ensure that the quality of broadcasting is at a professional level.
Our Philosophy
MKFM’s philosophy is grounded in providing a truly local radio and online service for the people of Milton Keynes.
MKFM’s target community is at the heart of everything our organisation does, and we regularly receive and action feedback we receive from our target community.
MKFM is proud of Milton Keynes and the fantastic charities, community groups, sports teams and businesses who are based here and we help to celebrate their achievements.
MKFM does not just report what is happening in our community, we help to shape it. We are not afraid to stand up for our community and call out what we think is wrong.
MKFM is a not-for-profit organisation, every penny we receive is reinvested into providing our vital service for the people of Milton Keynes.
Our Target Community
As defined in our key commitments, MKFM serves the people who live or work in Milton Keynes and surrounding villages. The Borough of Milton Keynes has a total population of around 261,750 and we aim to reach every person via the radio, website, social media, or a combination of all of these.
Milton Keynes has a younger age profile than England as a whole. 27.4% of the population is aged 19 or under compared with 23.7% in England as a whole.
The Borough has slightly more females (50.5%) than males (49.5%).
26.1% of the population in 2011 were from Black and Minority Ethnic groups (BAME), which is defined as all races except White-British.
Our Objectives
MKFM provides a proudly local, mainstream community radio service.
MKFM provides local news, information, travel, weather and what’s on information that is relevant to our target community.
MKFM provides a platform for local people to hold elected and unelected representatives to account (including MPs, councillors, chief executives of local organisations etc.)
MKFM promotes and celebrates the achievements of individuals and groups within our target community.
MKFM calls our target community to action when they are required, for example to donate to local good causes or help support other members of the community.
MKFM does not shy away from discussing and providing assistance with difficult topics which affect our target community, such as mental health.
MKFM provides a place where the input and contribution of anyone from our target community is welcomed and respected.
MKFM supports and helps local businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations who share our values.
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Local News
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With the Milton Keynes Marathon returning on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May, a number of roads will be closed.
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Police appeal for witnesses following a robbery in Milton Keynes
The incident occurred at approximately 10.20pm on Friday 19 April at Briar Hill in Stacey Bushes.
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Olney retailers unite to raise over £6,000 for Willen Hospice with charity fashion show
A charity fashion show hosted by Olney's top fashion retailers has successfully raised over £6,000 for local palliative care charity Willen Hospice.
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Cranfield University leads UK research sector in new commitment for sustainable practices
Committing to reduce the environmental impacts of its research activities, Cranfield University has joined organisations in the UK research and innovation sector as a founding signatory to a new agreement on research and innovation practices.
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New Musical Theatre Saturday School launches in central Milton Keynes
Arts1, a performing arts school in Milton Keynes, has announced the launch of its latest program, the Arts1 Musical Theatre Saturday School, starting on the 18 May 2024 for kids aged between 4-17.
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Local restaurant celebrates Love MK Day with unique Pay-What-You-Like lunch
Maaya Indian Kitchen & Bar in The Hub is proud to announce its participation in Love MK Day on Thursday 2 May, with a special pay-what-you-like lunch event from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
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Milton Keynes charity invites multi-faith communities to talk openly about death, dying and grief
Willen Hospice, in partnership with Gamiel Yafai, author & award-winning diversity & inclusion strategist, invites the community to an open roundtable discussion event focused on "The Way We Talk About Dying Matters."
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Milton Keynes theme park hailed a great place to work as it celebrates its 25th birthday
Two long-serving employees at Gulliver’s Land have praised the theme park’s strong teamwork ethic as it marks its 25th birthday.
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Man sentenced for child sex offences in Milton Keynes
Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police a man has been sentenced to over 8 years after being convicted of child sex offences.
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Milton Keynes Breakers trio win National Awards
Jordan Spencer, Chris Tawiah and Buai Luak have all been recognised in the Basketball England end of Season Awards for NBL Division 2 South. The awards are voted by the coaches of opposing teams in the league.
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Aqua Parcs Milton Keynes launches £3,000 schools competition
Aqua Parcs, Willen Lake, which opens on Saturday 4 May, is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative schools competition that is set to ignite the imaginations of young minds across the region.
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More than 32,000 new homes needed in Milton Keynes by 2040
Milton Keynes needs to build more than 32,700 new homes in less than two decades to meet the needs of the city’s 2040 population.
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