Gaydio, the UK’s LGBTQ+ radio station, has unveiled a refreshed leadership team as it marks its 20th anniversary, alongside a move into new state-of-the-art studio facilities in Manchester.

Founded by business director Ian Wallace in 2006, Gaydio began as a part-time broadcast supporting Manchester Pride. Since then, it has grown into a full-time service, broadcasting on FM in Manchester and Brighton and on DAB across thirteen UK cities. The station is also available nationally via smart speakers and the Gaydio app.

Commenting on the new management lineup, Ian said “our new management team reflects both the diversity of our audience and the strength of the Northern creative sector we’re proud to be part of. As we invest in new studios and talent, we’re deepening our commitment to championing LGBTQ+ voices, building an inclusive workplace, and better understanding and serving our communities and clients across the UK.” In April 2026, Ian was shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Prolific North Champions Awards, recognising his longstanding contribution to the queer media sector.

The refreshed leadership team includes two new sales managers to drive advertising revenue across the portfolio. “I’ve spent my career helping brands show up in culture in a way that actually connects, not just ticks a box. Gaydio is uniquely positioned to do that for LGBTQ+ audiences, with credibility, trust and creative freedom built in. With our new studios and leadership team, we’re entering a new phase of growth, and I’m excited about what we can unlock for both our partners and our community” said Lizzy Maginness, who joins from Manchester Pride and previously marketing lead for Bauer’s Hits Radio brand. Adele Reay joins from the legal and finance sector, with both working collaboratively to shape a sales strategy that supports Gaydio’s continued growth. On joining Gaydio, Adele said, “Since joining Gaydio last year, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by the team and it’s been brilliant to see the positive momentum building across the business. With a background working nationally and internationally with enterprise clients across a range of sectors, I’m used to navigating complex sales cycles and it’s been hugely rewarding bringing that into such a creative environment. We’ve got some incredibly talented, switched-on people here who are a genuine pleasure to work with. With the new studios and leadership in place, we’re going from strength to strength and I’m excited about what’s ahead.”

Further strengthening the commercial offer, Seema Esplin joins as Head of Product Development following two decades in media solutions at major organisations including Global and Bauer. Her role will focus on expanding Gaydio’s product offering and supporting the commercial team in delivering effective, insight-led campaigns for partners seeking to engage LGBTQ+ audiences. Commenting on her journey at Gaydio, Seema said: “It’s an exciting time for Gaydio. We have an incredibly creative team that delivers solutions tailored to our clients’ objectives, while speaking to our audience in a genuinely authentic way – something that’s hugely valuable to the brands we work with. Both local and national partners can expect bespoke campaigns that reach our audience at every touchpoint and truly resonate, delivering meaningful moments for both our audience and our partners”.

Seema will work closely with Brett Harris, Head of Marketing & Partnerships, who brings experience in brand marketing and national partnerships at Global, to deliver integrated commercial campaigns. “I’m ecstatic to be working with Seema again to generate stand-out media moments for the LGBTQ+ community in partnership with our commercial partners. Time and time again, our award-winning creative team deliver compelling campaigns at scale that create impact for our clients.” In 2025 and 2026, the team won the Campaign Audio Advertising Award for Best Branded Series for Gaydio’s original podcast series in partnership with British Airways, “Gaydio in Europe”.

Advertisers are encouraged to explore Gaydio’s media solutions via the new commercial partnerships microsite, designed as a user-friendly platform showcasing how brands can activate with the station. Commenting on the new microsite, Commercial Director, Ellis Bailey-Cross said, “Gaydio Partnerships has been built to make it easier than ever for brands and agencies to understand the value of LGBTQ+ audiences and the impact of inclusive advertising. The new microsite brings together audience insight, campaign solutions, case studies and client testimonials in one place, giving partners the tools and confidence to create meaningful campaigns with us. It reflects Gaydio’s position as a trusted media partner and highlights the commercial opportunities within the LGBTQ+ community.”

As part of its 20th anniversary, the station has relocated to new facilities overlooking Manchester’s world-famous Gay Village, placing Gaydio firmly at the centre of the community it serves. The move represents the largest single investment in the organisation’s history, supported by funding from The Big Issue Investment Fund, Warner Music Group and OVO Energy, alongside significant internal commitment.

The new headquarters includes three visual studios, enabling enhanced video output and deeper audience engagement across digital platforms, reflecting evolving listener habits.

A key feature of the space is a dedicated Gaydio Academy hub, designed to support the next generation of LGBTQ+ broadcasters and creatives. Through training, mentoring and hands-on experience, the Academy continues to open pathways into the media industry.

Speaking about the launch of Gaydio’s new studios, Kriss Herbert-Noble, Content Director, said “we’re incredibly proud to be opening these new studios in such an iconic location for our community, especially as we celebrate 20 years of Gaydio. This investment is about the future, giving our audiences more ways to connect with us through fully visual content, and creating opportunities for new LGBTQ+ talent to come through via the Gaydio Academy utilising industry standard equipment. It’s a huge step forward for the station and the community we serve.”

This milestone reinforces Gaydio’s commitment to innovation, representation and community impact, ensuring it continues to amplify LGBTQ+ voices across the UK. As the station looks ahead, it does so with a strengthened leadership team, expanded commercial capability and ongoing investment in talent and infrastructure.

Gaydio is on air 24/7. You can listen to the station on FM in Manchester & Brighton, on DAB in cities across the UK and nationally through connected devices.

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Teaming up with Gaydio to reach a vast audience of LGBTQ+ people across the UK, Calm delivered ‘moments of calm’.

Calm dominated the drivetime day part on air and across our mobile app, with presenter-led editorial moments as well as audio & visual creative in commercial space to drive app downloads.

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BRITA become the Official Hydration Partner of the Gaydio Awards 2026, promoting a healthier, more thirst-quenching beverage at the ceremony.

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The activation ensured BRITA products were put in the hands of high profile talent as well as using the ceremony as a content-generating opportunity for an engaging social campaign.

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Gaydio, the UK’s LGBTQ+ station, has launched the third series of its award-winning travel podcast ‘Gaydio In Europe’ in partnership with BA Euroflyer, the London Gatwick based short haul subsidiary airline of British Airways. Episode 1 of the new Gaydio Original Podcast series is available now across all major podcast platforms and via the Gaydio app.

Gaydio presenters Luis Wyatt and Helen Scott return to host the visualised podcast, with drag icon and friend of the station Yshee Black joining the Gaydio In Europe team. Each episode of the podcast shines a spotlight on a different LGBTQ+ friendly European destination, all of which are served by BA Euroflyer from Gatwick Airport. The team celebrate the destinations’ LGBTQ+ inclusive spirit, explore the cultural highlights and speak to locals about what makes their home such a special place to visit. Episode 1 shines the spotlight on Porto, with Palma and Verona also featuring in this years run.

The podcast forms part of a wider multi-platform campaign across Gaydio, which includes both on-air and digital video content. Gaydio listeners will have the chance to win a pair of Club Europe (business class) flights with BA Euroflyer to a European destination of their choice in a huge competition that supports the partnership.

In an exciting first for the series, Gaydio and BA Euroflyer will host a live event in London giving listeners the exclusive opportunity to be part of the audience for the finale episode of series 3.

Earlier this year the podcast won ‘Best Branded Series’ at the Campaign Audio Advertising Awards, with the judges praising the series’ ‘strong targeting, engaging content and seamless brand integration that felt authentic’. The collaboration between Gaydio and British Airways was also recognised for its creativity, execution and outstanding results, with the judges calling it an ‘exemplary branded content series’.

Brett Harris, Head of Partnerships and Marketing at Gaydio, said:
“Partnering once again with British Airways gives us the chance to champion destinations that embody the spirit of inclusion. Gaydio In Europe celebrates destinations where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel safe, seen and celebrated. All of this has been packaged up in a new four-part series which sounds authentic and unmistakably Gaydio.

Series 3 sees a huge elevation for the podcast! We’ve freshened up the presenting team, welcoming the brilliant Yshee Black who is a much loved and recognisable face to the Gaydio audience. And we’re so excited to bring Gaydio In Europe to the stage, with a live event that will see series 3 conclude in style!”

Nick Welsh, Head of Marketing at BA Euroflyer said:

“We’re proud to be partnering with Gaydio once again, as together we launch the third series of ‘Gaydio in Europe’. As our network from London Gatwick continues to grow, it’s a great opportunity for the Gaydio team to explore four more contrasting destinations and shine the spotlight on their diverse LGBTQ+ communities. With this year’s new addition of a live audience for the series finale recording, Series 3 promises to be our most exciting yet with city guides to Porto, Palma and more for listeners to look forward to.“

Listen to or watch Episode 1 of the new series of Gaydio In Europe with British Airways now on the Gaydio app, wherever you get your podcasts or at gaydio.co.uk/gaydioineurope.

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Working with one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ media platforms becomes much easier thanks to our new b2b website.

GaydioPartnerships.co.uk is a new dedicated hub designed to make it easier than ever for advertisers and agencies to understand the station’s audience, reach and partnership opportunities, marking a major step forward in helping brands engage authentically with the estimated 2.1 million people in the LGBTQ+ community in the UK.

Built with clarity and accessibility at its core, the website gives marketing professionals, media buyers and corporate partners a clear view of Gaydio’s national audience, advertising solutions and community impact. Developed specifically for our partners, visitors will be able to explore radio sponsorship, digital advertising or long-term brand collaborations as well as accessing case studies and sector-specific data to showcase why Gaydio is the preferred choice for an LGBTQ+ audience.

“Advertisers often tell us they want to reach the LGBTQ+ audience in an authentic, credible way” says Ellis Bailey-Cross, Gaydio Commercial Director, “this website was built to make that process simple. It explains exactly who listens to us, how brands can work with us and the real results we deliver for partners.”

From on air opportunities, to digital and now an expanded events portfolio, it couldn’t be a more exciting time to join Gaydio as we gear up for our 20th birthday celebrations.

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We work with partners to deliver unforgettable, immersive experiences for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond either through our own brand events or collaboratively.

From the Gaydio Pride Awards to branded experiential, Gaydio is a trusted voice for queer people. Work with us to deliver authentic touch points with our community.

Take a look through our highlights for the Gaydio Pride Awards 2025…

The Gaydio Awards

The biggest LGBTQ+ awards ceremony outside of London, our signature event brings together the high profile figures of our community as well as the people and organisations behind the grassroots efforts made to better queer lives in a truly special evening of celebration, reflection and entertainment in Manchester.

Over the years, Gaydio has welcomed performances from icons and allies including Raye, Tulisa, Danny Beard and Katy B with awards dished out to Russell T Davies, Lady Phyl and Peter Tatchell.

In 2025, the Gaydio Awards reached a combined media audience of 6 million people through radio, press and socials.

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Experiential & Brand Events

Gaydio is proud to partner with third party brands who share our values of inclusivity and authenticity to deliver activations that delight LGBTQ+ people and their allies.

Over the years, we’ve delivered pop up gigs, co-branded parade float inclusions and club takeovers.

Our relationship with high profile queer talent means we are uniquely placed to co-ordinate collaborations that connect with our audience – your future customers.

Gaydio Networking

Meet other like-minded LGBTQ+ professionals in your area and create new business opportunities in one of our networking events in a city near you.

Gaydio Networking brings together people from multiple sectors to connect, collaborate and celebrate the brilliant diversity of the LGBTQ+ business community in a relaxed, friendly environment over refreshments & canapés.

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Why Video?

Using Gaydio for video production enhances your radio advertising by keeping your message consistent across channels.

Gaydio knows how to speak authentically to LGBTQ+ audiences, ensuring your brand’s story feels genuine and connected. This unified approach boosts recognition and engagements.

Through a visual podcast, blend long-form audio with eye catching video content or utilise Gaydio’s talent pool to bring your product to life in a presenter-led video. Showcase your products, bring your brand to life and create a splash in the marketplace.

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Why Podcasts?

Gaydio is proud to host a collection of LGBTQ+ podcasts on our website and free mobile app, regularly sign-posted on air and on socials. We’re also home to a number of Gaydio Original Podcasts that can be utilised for marketing messaging.

From the reality television & pop culture podcast, “Fancy Another Pod” hosted by Brett Harris and Bally Singh to “Eurovis-huns”, a show dedicated to getting into the nitty gritty of the Eurovision Song Contest with Luis Wyatt and Lee Barnes, our podcasts offer our partners space to deliver longer form key messaging and authentic endorsement.

We also work with partners to produce fresh commissions to create some truly magical moments that pack a punch.

BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY

Why Video?

Using Gaydio for video production enhances your radio advertising by keeping your message consistent across channels.

Gaydio knows how to speak authentically to LGBTQ+ audiences, ensuring your brand’s story feels genuine and connected. This unified approach boosts recognition and engagements.

Through a visual podcast, blend long-form audio with eye catching video content or utilise Gaydio’s talent pool to bring your product to life in a presenter-led video. Showcase your products, bring your brand to life and create a splash in the marketplace.

GET PRESENTER ENDORSEMENT

Case Studies

Here’s some examples of campaigns we’ve delivered using video or podcasts.

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Half-a-million monthly web visitors…

Our mobile app and website are packed full of engaging queer content. Get your brand seen as well as heard with a digital display campaign across our digital assets.

Gaydio listeners are 10x more likely than then national average to search for a cruise ship getaway

From competitions to travel guides and things to do, we’re proud to see our web presence reaching new heights.

We’re proud to have an above average click-through rate when it comes to our digital campaigns.

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50,000 active app users

Our audience can listen to Gaydio on-the-go thanks to our free mobile app that syncs with Apple Car Play.

The Gaydio App also houses a collection of LGBTQ+ podcasts as well as our line up of Gaydio Original Podcasts including reality TV analysis, “Fancy Another Pod” and our third-party creations including “Gaydio in Europe” with British Airways.

Listeners can also use the Gaydio App to access ‘on demand’ content such as full interviews with our star guests and competitions.

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Case Studies

Here’s some examples of campaigns we’ve delivered using Digital & Display.

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Scroll-stopping LGBTQ+ content

Breaking queer news alerts, interviews with gay icons and the ‘access all areas’ pass to LGBTQ+ events across the country and around the word, our listeners trust Gaydio to be their source of information.

In 2024, Gaydio social content reached 7 million people across the UK.

Let’s work together to engage our loyal social following with your brand through promotions, video content or partnership.

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Why social?

Gaydio is uniquely placed to forge brand & talent partnerships that resonate with the LGBTQ+ audience, devising content strategies that feel authentic and truly deliver.

43% of LGBTQ+ people are more likely to engage with advertisement on social media than regular websites compared with 23% for non-LGBTQ+ people.

What do the stats say?

Some of our work…

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Case Studies

Here’s some examples of campaigns we’ve delivered using socials.

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