As a not-for-profit organisation, MKFM makes good use of volunteer contributors across a variety of disciplines. Without its loyal team of unpaid helpers, the popular radio station and news hub would struggle to continue.
It takes hard work, dedication and a team of willing people to create an entertainment and news organisation like MKFM. The radio station – the only dedicated outlet of its kind in Milton Keynes – reaches more than 250,000 people every week through its broadcasts, news and features website and popular social media posts.
And that amount of work needs people to keep it all going smoothly. Like every business, many of those staff members are full-time or part-time paid employees. But the station also relies on the efforts of a talented team of volunteers, who give up their time to work for MKFM.
There are many different volunteer roles currently available at MKFM, including radio show presenters, producers, writers, researchers and web content creators.
In return for their work, volunteers enjoy a wonderful experience and benefit from great and useful learning opportunities. It’s also an ideal place to meet people and discover new skills and talents.
“I started volunteering with MKFM last October and I’ve loved every moment since,” said MKFM volunteer Fiona Drake. “The team are incredibly kind, welcoming and supportive, and it’s been a privilege to learn from such a talented group of people.
“Thursdays have quickly become my favourite day of the week, and volunteering has given me the chance to meet so many new people across Milton Keynes, from local businesses to community organisations and charities.”
Fiona currently gets involved in many areas of MKFM’s work, including creating video reels, travelling across the city to find news content, and attending the popular Meet of MK Networking events each month – all of which she says has given her an insight into how the media works.
“Through MKFM I’ve attended the opening of three Willen Hospice shops, Bloom Health’s opening, and even watched a skydiving world record being set at iFLY,” she said.
“From visiting local fish and chip shops and trying new restaurants, to exploring places like Bletchley Park, there is always something fun and fulfilling to be part of. Watching the engagement on reels I’ve created has been especially rewarding, with a collective total of over 200,000 views.”
Fiona is also receiving on-air training in the station’s studio which is useful as part of her learning and growing experience of radio broadcasting.
“Sitting in on the breakfast show on several occasions has been a highlight, giving me invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how live radio works,” she added. “I’ve always wanted to work in the media, and the experience, training and encouragement I have received at MKFM is invaluable.”
MKFM Radio
MKFM launched full time on DAB Digital Radio in May 2013.
Following trial broadcasts, the station launched on FM in September 2015. The studios are based at Stadium MK; home to MK Dons FC, the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, the Marshall Arena and MK Dons Community Trust.
MKFM’s goal is to provide a radio service which is the first choice of listening for its target community and to promote and support the work of local charities, community groups, businesses and sports teams.
Its team of show presenters, some of whom are volunteers, are trained by experienced radio professionals and given ongoing coaching to ensure that the quality of broadcasting is at the highest level.
More details on volunteering are available through the link here. MKFM’s ‘The Meet of MK’ gathers every month at an exciting Milton Keynes venue. For more details or to book tickets, visit the site here.
