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.