Who are they?
Gaydio are the UK’s broadcast radio and training service for the LGB&T community. They're based in Manchester where you can get them on Digital Radio or on 88.4FM. Gaydio see themselves as an exciting, vibrant media company with a passion to improve the lives of their target audience. Having a community radio licence is a unique asset which brings responsibility and opportunity which they work hard to maximise for as many LGB&T people as possible – but in particular focus on those that experience disadvantage.
What do they do and why?
Gaydio broadcast 24 hours a day with a mix of music, speech and content aimed at LGB&T people. They also broadcast in other areas of the UK on DAB Digital Radio, giving them a weekly audience of just over ½ million listener. This means that they are able to sell a range of advertising packages which generate around 2/3 of the income of the business. This is used to fund the radio service and invest in the people that they’ve set up to serve.
The existence of Gaydio provides a huge benefit for not only the audience, but for their volunteers who donate their time to broadcast on the station. For many LGB&T people, Gaydio are a connection and a lifeline to the wider-community. They also work with charities and social enterprises to promote services and help them to reach the people that are most in need.
Alongside their broadcast service they also run the Gaydio Academy – this is a series of short term workshop style programmes that address specific problems that their community face. For example, they currently run the Gaydio Youth academy, providing a unique environment for LGB&T people aged 13-19 where they can come and create radio from their perspective. Gaydio also run the ‘Work Club’ which aims to skill people that are currently unemployed and use their engagement with Gaydio to build confidence and self-esteem, helping them back into work. Each year Gaydio work with up to 200 project beneficiaries – many of which then go on to long term volunteer with them.
“This investment is a great follow up from the success of the first development. As we come out of the pandemic, it will position Gaydio to secure, maximise and diversify our income.” Ian Wallace, Business Director
What funding did they receive and how did it help them?
Gaydio received a package which included part-grant and part loan from GMCVO. This was a second investment after the successful outcomes of their initial investment.
The grant element was used to further invest in equipment, making sure that the business is fit for purpose and well positioned for expansion.
The loan element of the funding was invested into the business, further supporting their key revenue streams. This included upgrading the sales processes and investing in training of the sales team. There were also some key technological developments which Gaydio wanted to make sure they were able to access. This included a new way of inserting adverts into their online streaming and exploring launching services in new areas of the UK.
What impact has the funding had?
So far, the impact has been positive and Gaydio are updating their technology and introducing back-ups, ensuring that they remain broadcasting if any of their kit fails. The investment also allows them to position themselves to take advantage of future income streams, reducing the risk around the fluctuation in income. Any surplus is then re-invested into the community they serve, making sure there is a social return on these activities.
For more information about Gaydio, visit https://www.gaydio.co.uk/
This investment was funded by The Growth Fund; a partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund and Big Society Capital, delivered by Access through a range of social investors. It makes up to £50m available to support charities and social enterprises to grow and create social impact in their communities. The Growth Fund uses a combination of grant funding, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, and loan finance from Big Society Capital and other co-investors, to address specific gaps in the social investment market.
