This week over 50 local radio stations rebranded to Greatest Hits Radio.
Residents in Milton Keynes contacted MKFM after hearing that Mix 96 in Aylesbury was one of 51 local radio stations to close and join the new national network.
The changes come following the acquisition of hundreds of local radio stations over the last ten years that have eventually closed and merged under the umbrella of a national brand.
Mix 96 is the latest station in Bucks to be rebranded with many residents in Aylesbury feeling they have lost a local asset. Despite a high profile ‘’Save Mix 96’’ campaign the station became Greatest Hits Radio on Monday with most of the local presenters being made redundant including former Horizon presenter Wez Venn.
In 2009, Milton Keynes Horizon Radio rebranded to Heart. And today, most of Heart’s content is broadcast from London with a daily regional show coming from Milton Keynes.
MKFM is pleased to confirm that as we approach our 5th Birthday on 106.3FM next week, we aren’t going anywhere.
When MKFM was founded back in 2011, we undertook a clear commitment to become the dedicated radio station for Milton Keynes.
Our company structure and licence awarded in 2015 prevents us from being taken over by any of the big radio brands. As your local radio station, we are a not for profit organisation with every penny being invested back into our programming and website.
Darren Dorrington, CEO of MKFM, said: ‘’Local Radio plays a vital role in keeping communities together, during the pandemic MKFM was on hand to deliver the essential local information, encourage our listeners to support one and other and we backed local charities and businesses during a truly difficult period.
"MKFM is here to stay with a clear commitment to deliver proper local radio in MK.’’
This month, MKFM is running two high profile campaigns, the first one in association with MK Jobs as we look to help as many people as possible find work following the pandemic. Then, later in the month, we officially launch our campaign to raise 70,000 tins for the MK Food Bank.
You can listen to MKFM on 106.3FM inside Milton Keynes as well as on DAB Digital Radio across Herts, Beds, and Bucks.
