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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Seven children in Milton Keynes arrested as part of operation against knife crime in one month
Last month, Thames Valley Police launched a youth pilot in a bid to divert children in Milton Keynes from knife crime.
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Finalists announced for Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2023
The esteemed judging panel for Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2023 has announced the finalists for this year’s awards taking place on Thursday 23 March at Stadium MK.
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£1 million to go towards supermarket vouchers for struggling Milton Keynes families
Milton Keynes City Council is allocating over £1m of government funding to provide supermarket vouchers for struggling families during the school holidays and days of industrial action taken by teachers.
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Police launch youth pilot operation in bid to divert children in Milton Keynes from knife crime
Thames Valley Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) say they continue to see positive results from Operation Deter.
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Plans to transform urban park in Central Milton Keynes
Work is underway to completely transform CMK’s only urban park into a wildlife haven which can be used by local residents and businesses.
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Green light for 'green homes' in Milton Keynes
More than 300 homes in Netherfield are set to benefit from some of the highest quality energy efficiency upgrades available in the UK.
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Police appeal for specific witness following exposure incident in Milton Keynes supermarket
Thames Valley Police is appealing for a specific witness to an exposure incident in Milton Keynes to come forward.
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Milton Keynes MP rejects chance to join MKFM levelling up debate with Labour candidate
MKFM invited the MP for Milton Keynes South and the Labour Parliamentary Candidate in for a live debate following the news that the city was unsuccessful in its bid for university funding.
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A World Divided comes to Milton Keynes Theatre this April
The epic storytelling of Les Mis meets the intensity of War of the Worlds with all the fun of Rocky Horror, as A World Divided comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from 17th April.
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Viral lash brand brings 'TikTok famous' vending machine to Milton Keynes shopping centre
Midsummer Place has welcomed the TikTok famous lash vending machine brand Meggi Lashes this week.
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Planning permission refused for new housing to be built on former Travis Perkins site in Milton Keynes
Planning permission for the demolition of a building supplies warehouse to make way for new housing in Bletchley has been refused.
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Milton Keynes City Council on course to be carbon neutral by 2030
Energy efficient council homes, LED street lighting and generating renewable energy through a solar farm all form part of Milton Keynes City Council’s strategy to be a 'world leading sustainable city'.
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