UK’s first LGBT FM radio station Gaydio to launch next month in Manchester
Article published: Thursday, May 27th 2010
This summer will see the launch of the UK’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans radio station, transmitted from Portland Tower in the city centre of Manchester. The station will launch on June 18 and will be broadcast on 88.4FM.
The initiative was started by Ian Wallace, who in a recent interview with How-Do talked about the welcome reception from audiences during the trial broadcasts, with an estimated 50,000 listeners in its trial period.
“It’s about reflecting the needs of the LGBT community and for those who feel that their needs are not currently being met or their voices heard anywhere else,” says the other driving force behind Gaydio, Toby Whitehouse, “it’s not just about gay issues, but a gay sensibility.”
Listeners can expect to hear a range of programmes from predominantly pop and dance driven shows during daytime hours, with more specialist music programming in the evening including topical discussions. Wallace emphasises that “it isn’t simply about ‘gay stuff’ all the time, but about speaking to our audience with an attitude and perspective that they find familiar and currently lacking from mainstream services.”
Gaydio has been in the pipeline since 2006, when the station first started limited broadcasts. In 2007 the station applied for a full FM licence through OFCOM, holding a successful 28 day trial in August 2008 as well as limited periods of broadcast during Manchester Pride in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
In November 2008 a five year licence was granted, with the aim to have the station up and running by 2009. However, the switch-on was delayed to ensure that the service would be launched effectively, with a plan to “hit the ground running” when it finally comes to fruition.
Advertisers have already expressed a great deal of interest in supporting the station, and the team are working to ensure that Gaydio will be a long term, sustainable business.
So far, presenters that have been announced include Nicksy (Galaxy Radio), ex-Happy Mondays vocalist Rowetta and Terry Longden (Channel 4’s The Salon).
Joe Beech
More: Manchester, News
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