The news comes as your local radio station is set to celebrate 10 years on DAB Digital Radio.
This week, our CEO Darren Dorrington was invited to attend a Local Media reception at 10 Downing Street by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer following a recommendation by MP for Milton Keynes South Iain Stewart.
During the event held on Wednesday 19th April, Lucy Frazer addressed the room of around 100 media organisations, highlighting how important local media was in a digital age.
She said ''Local journalism helps local areas stay connected, generates local pride and keeps communities engaged in local issues. Local journalists capture the heart of our communities and make sure politicians are doing their jobs better by holding them to account.
It was wonderful to joined by local journalist across the country in Downing Street - from community news sites, radio and free sheets - to thank them for their work to keep communities connected.''
Our CEO Darren Dorrington told MKFM News: "I was honoured to attend the event at Downing Street in the year MKFM celebrates 10 years on DAB Digital Radio.
"It seemed unbelievable back in 2011 that Milton Keynes would be left without a dedicated local radio station. With the help of our partners we have been able to build an organisation that reaches almost every adult in Milton Keynes either through radio or our online platforms."
He continued: "In 2023 we are delighted to be the news leader in Milton Keynes and support the many charities, not for profits and local businesses we do. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years."
Meanwhile Iain Stewart MP, who was instrumental during MKFM’s FM license application told us: "I was delighted to nominate MKFM to attend the event at 10 Downing Street, MKFM has continued to champion everything that is great about Milton Keynes whilst delivering local news and information.
"I was particularly impressed with MKFM’s coverage and support for Milton Keynes during the pandemic, Darren and the team continue to deliver a great service for our community."
MKFM Timeline
2011 – MKFM undertakes test transmissions on 107 FM during July and December.
2013 – MKFM launches on DAB Digital Radio.
2014 - Following a successful campaign to Bring Local Radio back to Milton Keynes, MKFM is allowed to apply for an FM license after a debate in Parliament headed up by Iain Stewart (MP for Milton Keynes South)
2015 – MKFM launches on 106.3FM following installation of new studio at Intu Milton Keynes.
2017 – New MKFM website launches, designed to deliver local news and information to everyone across the city.
2017 – MKFM refocuses to deliver more local news and information than ever before and a refreshed station sound.
2019 – MKFM moves to Stadium MK, due to plans to redevelop Intu Milton Keynes.
2020 – MKFM becomes the only dedicated local media organisation to deliver local news and information around the clock during the pandemic through radio and MKFM.com. MKFM becomes the first media organisation to interview Captain Sir Tom Moore.
2020 – The broadcast regulator Ofcom renew MKFM’s FM licence to broadcast for another five years in Milton Keynes.
2020 – The MKFM website reaches two million page views in a single month for the first time.
2021 – MKFM launches two new FM transmitters boosting signal coverage on the outskirts of the borough.
2021 – MKFM upgrades its DAB Digital Radio broadcast to Stereo, providing better sound quality than ever before.
2022 – MKFM launch their mobile app bringing local news alerts and exclusive competitions direct to listeners mobile phones.
2023 – Darren Dorrington, CEO for MKFM, invited to Downing Street to recognise the vital work that MKFM plays in our community.
