Virgin Radio UK has announced that Virgin Radio Pride UK, a new radio station for the LGBTQ+ community, will broadcast from June 7 until the end of September.
The new station says it will “seek to reduce inequality by addressing important issues in the core programming,” with conversations around topics like trans-rights, gay adoption issues, living with HIV and helping parents understand LGBTQ+ issues by working closely with various LGBTQ+ partners.
The programme schedule will be driven by LGBTQ+ presenters including Tia Kofi, Matt Cain, Emma Goswell, Debbie Ryan, Phil Clifton, Shivani Dave, Vicki Blight and Stephen Sullivan who will be joined in conversation with guest celebrity contributors.
Virgin Radio Pride UK will also be partnering with local celebrations including Blackpool and Oxford Pride. The station plans to host outside broadcasts or help replace cancelled events on-air.
In addition to the weekday programmes the station will broadcast documentaries and a weekly magazine show on Sunday afternoons.
The playlist on the new station will mainly feature pop-dance and pop-R&B music from the last 20 years.
Virgin Radio Pride UK presenter, Tia Kofi said: “I’m so excited to be part of the launch for this incredible new LGBTQ+ station. We have created something made by queer people for queer people and beyond, and it’s going to be amazing! Get ready for the ultimate Friday night pre-party with me, as well as some sensational content from across the LGBTQ+ community.”
Matt Cain said: “I’m thrilled to bits to be part of Virgin Radio Pride, and especially excited to be presenting the station’s flagship discussion show, Sunday Roast. I’m going to be joined by some terrific guests to chat through all the latest issues affecting the LGBT+ community, both personal and political. And I can’t wait to engage with queer listeners all over the country and to give them the intelligent, insightful and uplifting experience they deserve.”
Shivani Dave said: “Radio has always had the power to bring people together, in a way no other medium can. In a time when our community is being targeted and further marginalized, it is incredibly powerful that Virgin Radio UK is dedicating a whole station to all LGBTQ+ people to celebrate and share their experiences. I am honoured to be a part of it and can’t wait to laugh, cry, and dance with the listeners.”
Virgin Radio Pride UK will be available on DAB digital radio in London, in the Virgin Radio app and online, joining the Virgin Radio Groove, Anthems and Chilled stations.
In London and parts of the UK the digital station Hits Radio Pride is also available on DAB and online.