Gaydio, the UK’s dedicated LGBTQ+ radio station, has unveiled a revamped leadership team as it marks its 20th anniversary, alongside a move into new state-of-the-art studio facilities in Manchester.
Initially founded by business director Ian Wallace in 2006 as a part-time broadcast supporting Manchester Pride. Gaydio has since grown into a full-time service, broadcasting 24/7 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.
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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,” said Lizzy Maginness, who joins from Manchester Pride and was previously marketing lead for Bauer’s Hits Radio brand. “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.”
Adele Reay joins from the legal and finance sector, with both working collaboratively to shape a sales strategy that supports Gaydio’s continued growth. She said: “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.
Esplin said: “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.”
She will work closely with head of marketing and partnerships Brett Harris, who previously worked alongside her during his own time at Global. Harris said: “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.”
Founder Wallace, who in April was shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Prolific North Champions Awards, recognising his longstanding contribution to the queer media sector, commented: “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.”
Gaydio has also recently launched a new commercial partnerships microsite and moved to new facilities overlooking Manchester’s world-famous Gay Village, placing Gaydio firmly at the centre of the community it serves.
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. [It] 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.”
The relocation, meanwhile, 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. Another 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.
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.”
