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.
Sponsored Stories
Local News
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Milton Keynes company to take on UK’s Three Peaks in £10k pledge for Brain Tumour Research
A cohort of employees from Milton Keynes company, Autotech Group, are preparing to take on their most arduous fundraising event to date with many of the team embarking upon the Three Peaks Challenge.
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PRO EV assists Milton Keynes schools to get up to £100,000 funding to install public EV charge points
Since the government launched electric vehicle (EV) charge point funding for state-funded schools and education institutions, Pro EV have installed hundreds of EV charging stations, helping schools in Milton Keynes to go green and improve infrastructure.
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Slug & Lettuce to host the next Meet of MK, to showcase their corporate event offerings!
The Meet of MK, sponsored by Facilities Management Solutions, will be held at Slug & Lettuce, The Hub Milton Keynes on Thursday 30th of May for their summer showcase!
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Local charity in Milton Keynes encourages people to write a Will this May
Willen Hospice are encouraging local people to take advantage of their Make a Will Month offer this May.
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Campbell Park in Milton Keynes turns 40
Campbell Park in the heart of the city turns 40 on 4th May 2024, and to celebrate this milestone birthday The Parks Trust have rounded up 40 facts about the city’s central park!
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Little Superheros from as young as four years old, will be taking part in the MK Marathon Fun run this weekend, to support St Mark's Meals Charity
Teams from as young as four years old will put on their running shoes and become superheroes for the day to take part in the MK Marathon Fun Run to support St Mark's Meals Charity.
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Top Ten reasons to #LoveMK announced
Destination Milton Keynes (DMK), the official tourism organisation for MK, is once again asking the people of Milton Keynes to help celebrate #LoveMK Day today, Thursday 2 May 2024, on the biggest one-day social media celebration of all things Milton Keynes!
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Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes, set for ‘Massive Mouse-ive May’ with host of exciting events and special offers!
A fun-packed month of activities and special offers awaits families visiting Gulliver’s Land during ‘Massive Mouse-ive May’, including a huge 40% discount off children’s tickets pre-booked for Spring Bank Holiday week.
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Spring’s sprung, time to head outdoors for seasonal fun with the Park's Trust Milton Keynes
If you’re looking to keep the family entertained this Spring or over half term, look no further than the city’s beautiful parkland! The Parks Trust, the charity caring for green spaces in Milton Keynes, hosts a heap of activities including free and low-cost ways to get outdoors.
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Craig David announces commitment tour and is coming to Milton Keynes!
Craig David has announced his brand new Commitment UK arena tour with special guest Lemar and is coming to The Marshall Arena on the 7th February 2025.
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Which roads will be closed for the Milton Keynes Marathon on Bank holiday weekend?
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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