Listeners across the globe often risk their lives to tune into an LGBT radio station, based in the North East of England.
Pride World Radio, which operates from studios in Newcastle, now attracts an audience in 125 countries, including those where homosexuality is still illegal.
The station, which is available online, via a free app or through Apple TV, has regulars listeners in countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Iran where being openly LGBT is not only against the law but can also be punishable by death.
Yet despite the dangers, Peter Darrant, Chief Executive of Pride World Radio, insists that people continue to listen in.
He said: “We are listened to in 33 of the 72 countries which still have anti-homosexual laws.
“There are people who literally are putting their lives at risk by listening to us.
“But that just highlights what an important lifeline connecting with Pride World Radio is for them.”
Initially Pride Radio, the station was bought by Peter and three other directors six months ago and became part of the Pride World Media stable, which includes Out and Proud TV, which is due to launch in 2018.
Since its name change the network, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, claims around 800,000 listeners on-line every month, with 30,000 people having downloaded the app.
Peter, a former presenter and producer on Made In Tyne and Wear television, was also the innovator behind Made With Pride – a live tv radio show – and also created televised ballroom dancing competition, Made On The Dance Floor which was won in the first year by a same-sex couple.
At its height Made With Pride attracted an audience of more than two million listeners and viewers and was singled out in the regional Royal Television Society awards.
Peter a former Chair of Northern Pride, continued: “I first worked for Pride Radio as a volunteer and saw the huge potential it had to lead the way in bringing the global LGBT community together.”
The station is also currently sharing its morning output with community radio station, NE1 FM, in the North East and is in discussions around the UK and beyond to further share its content and to set up international radio stations.
Peter became a presenter following more than 20 years working in various business development roles in the hospitality industry and in entertainment before being offered a job when Made In Tyne and Wear set up.
This was followed by three years working as both producer and a presenter, before leaving to concentrate on developing Pride World Media.
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