Update from our CEO, Darren Dorrington – 1055 The Point

Friday 28th March 2025

It’s now approaching one year since I was first approached to lend my expertise to resolve a series of significant issues at 1055 The Point.

After departing MKFM in December 2023, I genuinely had no intention of returning to local media. My 12-year journey at MKFM had taken the station from a mere concept to becoming Milton Keynes’ most-listened-to local radio station, and I felt my work in the local media landscape was complete.

Reflecting on my tenure at MKFM, one of our greatest achievements was overcoming the considerable challenge of securing a full-time FM licence. It was thanks to the unwavering support of our local community, dedicated politicians, and committed local businesses that we successfully secured this licence. Indeed, our efforts culminated in a parliamentary debate highlighting Milton Keynes’ genuine need for authentic local radio.

Eventually, Ofcom issued not one but two FM licences for Milton Keynes: MKFM on 106.3 FM and Secklow Sounds (now 1055 The Point) on 105.5 FM.

When I first met the team at 1055 The Point, the station was facing imminent closure due to its precarious financial position and a challenging Ofcom investigation resulting from non-compliance with its original licence commitments. Following numerous discussions, I eventually agreed—albeit somewhat reluctantly—to step in and lead the station, taking on the responsibility of orchestrating a comprehensive turnaround so that Milton Keynes continued to have two local radio stations on FM.

Fast forward nearly twelve months, and I am thrilled to report that 1055 The Point is now in good shape, having undergone a significant and successful transformation led by our dedicated new team.

Here are just some of the major highlights of what we have accomplished in the past year:

• Significantly expanded programming, increasing our local output from just six hours daily to an impressive average of 18 hours per day.

• Ofcom’s investigation has been discontinued, with all potential sanctions fully withdrawn, recognising our renewed compliance and commitment.

• Secured the support of local advertisers, whose valuable investment has enabled substantial improvements to both our programming and our station’s infrastructure.

• Established financial stability, working closely with our suppliers and commercial partners, putting 1055 The Point firmly on the path to sustainable growth.

• Brought back business networking events at Marco’s New York Italian (Holiday Inn) through a partnership with Connection Communications.

• Launched an exciting new playlist, showcasing an exceptional range of music from the 80s, 90s, and 00s—arguably one of the most diverse and engaging playlists on local radio.

• Introduced themed feature shows at 9pm every evening, each highlighting distinct musical genres—including Country, Rock, Soul, and emerging Unsigned Artists—ensuring something unique for every listener.

• Established a training programme for new presenters, offering fantastic opportunities to people who would like to get into radio.

• Delivered on-air support for local charities, disadvantaged individuals, and our diverse community.

• Formed a complete management team, appointing both a Commercial Director and a Diversity and Inclusion Manager to strengthen our leadership and community engagement.

These achievements represent only a snapshot of the incredible progress made at 1055 The Point over the last year. It’s particularly gratifying to see our growing listenership and the increasingly positive feedback from the Milton Keynes community.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our outstanding team, whose hard work, creativity, and dedication over the past year have made these accomplishments possible. As we look ahead, I am excited about continuing this journey and enhancing the station even further in the months to come.

Now that 1055 The Point is operated by MK City Media Ltd, we will progress our plans for new high-profile studios and our launch on DAB Digital Radio.

If you haven’t yet made the switch to 1055 The Point, why not give us a try? We’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts—get in touch via WhatsApp on 079 0799 1055.

Thank you for your continued support.

Darren Dorrington
CEO, 1055 The Point