The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Catriona Morris officially opened the new studios of the community radio station, MKFM this week.
The brand new, state of the art radio studios in Northfield will be used by MKFM to broadcast local news, information and music alongside the existing ‘studio pod’ outside Xscape as the station prepares for its fourth FM trial broadcast month.
The new studio complex will provide improved facilities for the radio station, including a broadcast newsroom which will enable it to increase its local news coverage and introduce some new community based programmes including a local arts review show on a Sunday with Nancy Stevens.
It will also be used to train the dozens of aspiring broadcasters who volunteer with the radio station and to run workshops for local students.
MKFM Programme Director, Chris Gregg says the new studio will make a big difference: “The existing ‘pod’ is important to us because it lets our listeners see that we’re here, we’re local and we’re broadcasting live from MK but we needed more space. The new studio will enhance what we can do behind the scenes as we work towards a permanent FM license”.
MKFM will be broadcasting on 107 FM from 24th November until 21st December with a limited ‘trial’ license. There are two more trial broadcasts planned over the next year, followed by an application for a permanent license in around 12 months. The radio station has to wait until the end of next year to apply for a permanent license due to the current community radio licensing system.
MKFM Commercial Director, Darren Dorrington explained why the radio station was established: “We think Milton Keynes is an important city with a unique identity which should have its own dedicated local radio station. We’re a not for profit organisation committed to broadcasting high quality programmes with local news, travel, school closures, sports coverage and details of local events and supporting charities, community groups and local businesses”
To find out more about MKFM and to volunteer visit www.mkfm.com
Your Local Flyer Local News 