Manchester’s gay radio station granted five-year FM licence
A radio station for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities in Manchester has been awarded a five-year community radio licence.
Gaydio recently completed its fourth short-term broadcast, the station will soon return to become the only FM radio station in the UK aimed exclusively at LGBT people.
The station had its first two-week broadcast in summer 2006 during Manchester Pride.
“Community radio services typically cover a small geographical area and are provided on a not-for-profit basis focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to enrich a particular geographical community or a community of interest,” said broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
“Gaydio will target and promote the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities of central Manchester, creating awareness and challenging homophobia and homophobic practices.
“The station will provide training opportunities, a platform for expression, and become a focal point and vital source of lively information and entertainment for the LGBT community.”
The award of a five-year licence has delighed staff and supporters.
“Everybody involved with Gaydio has worked so hard to get to this point,” said Programme Controller Toby Whitehouse.
“We are extremely happy that Ofcom have decided to award us a licence.
“Manchester’s thriving LGBT community is so deserving of a full time station to serve it. I can’t wait to get us back on air – for good.”
Project Manager Ian Wallace said the Gaydio journey began “working with BBC Radio Manchester on broadcasting the HIV vigil for the first time in its history, to providing a weekend of programmes live from Gran Canaria.
“We’ve got a fantastic team of people that have worked so hard to get us this far and I am so pleased that we will be able to continue making great radio and, most importantly, involving the whole community.”
An announcement will be made in the coming months about the launch date for the station.
