Pride Radio to launch on FM next week

The North East’s only dedicated LGBT+ radio station officially hits the FM airwaves next week.

PRIDE Radio 89.2FM will be broadcasting from noon on Monday, July 9 and will broadcast 24-hours a day across Newcastle, Gateshead, South East Northumberland, Sunderland North, South Tyneside and North Tyneside.

Aimed at – although not exclusive to – LGBT+ communities, the station aims to bring communities together by promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Station chiefs have recruited some of the region’s leading presenters including TV’s Peter Darrant and Mel Crawford, Alex Roland and Stu Smith formerly of Metro Radio and Century Radio favourite Jonathan Morrell.

Pride Radio is a brand new community radio station and is the product of several years of hard work by volunteers.

Chair of the Pride Community Network, Jonathan Morrell, who has been involved since the project began several years ago, says: “The launch of this station on FM is the culmination of eight years’ work by a dedicated group of volunteers from the LGBT communities.

“We believe the station will help to unite LGBT people across the North East and help them get the most out of life in the region.”

As part of its drive to nurture and encourage new talent, the station plans to help train new presenters from the LGBT+ communities and further afield.

With more than 700,000 people living within the transmission area, station manager Richard Kell is keen to attract listeners of all ages and walks of life, and believes it could quickly establish itself as one of the region’s leading stations.

“Pride Radio is a community station and we really need everyone to get on board and support us as much as possible,” he said. “Everyone has been working hard to get ready for the launch, and we really hope people will tune in, listen and support what we’re doing.

“We have exciting programmes lined up with some of the region’s most respected presenters and we want to spread the word that we are here and keen to involve the community as much as possible. We can’t wait to get started.”

Station chiefs are now looking for volunteers to join the team of presenters, along with helping with marketing and social media. Anyone interested in getting involved can email info@prideradio.co.uk.

The station will go live at noon on Monday, July 9, although test broadcasts are currently being carried out.