Schedule revealed for Hits Radio Pride pop-up

Presenters including Fleur East, Jordan Lee, James Barr, Stephanie Hirst and Charlie Powell will form part of the schedule for Hits Radio Pride.

They will be joined by special guest hosts including Mel C, Anne-Marie, MNEK, Sigala, Regard, Jess Glynne, Ella Henderson, Gok Wan and Years & Years’ Olly Alexander, who will be launching the station with Jordan Lee this Friday at 8am.

Bauer says Hits Radio Pride will be a platform to educate and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and encourage inclusion and tolerance.

In partnership with The Co-operative Bank and working with LGBT+ helpline Switchboard, the station will offer listeners access to support and advice.

Plus, with support from the Audio Content Fund, Hits Radio Pride will be airing a series titled ‘Tough Talks’, where contributors from the LGBTQ+ community will discuss the struggles the community often experience. For example, in one of the episodes, Alfie, who is transmasc, and their partner of eight years Rachel reflect on the moment when Alfie told Rachael that they were questioning their gender identity. At the age of 18, Rachael was the first person Alfie told.

Dee Ford CBE, Group Managing Director, Bauer Radio, said “At Bauer Media we are committed to delivering distinctive radio stations that delight our audience’s needs. Hits Radio Pride creates a sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond; we are thrilled to be partnering with The Co-operative Bank and have the likes of Olly Alexander, Mel C, MNEK and Gok Wan on board alongside our roster of talented presenters such as Jordan Lee and Fleur East to further enhance our portfolio of brands.”

Deb Darlington, Brand Director at The Co-operative Bank, said “As the original ethical bank we’re delighted to be partners of this new station that embraces diversity and inclusion, two values that we’re passionate about and that are at the heart of our business. The incredible line-up of presenters and guests for Hits Radio Pride shows what a great opportunity the launch of this station is to not just celebrate these important values but also raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.”

Hits Radio Pride launches on Friday 28th August at 8am and will be available online, on smart speakers, through the Hits Radio app, and initially on DAB in Bradford, Liverpool, Stoke, Swansea, and Northern Ireland. It will be on DAB+ in London and Norwich, and in South Yorkshire and Humberside from 1st September.

The full line up is below:

Monday to Friday

7-11am: Jordan Lee
11-2pm: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks
2-7pm: Charlie Powell
7pm: Hits Radio Pride In the Mix
8pm: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks

Saturday

9-12pm: Saturday Morning with Fleur East
12-2pm: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks
2-7pm: The Hits Radio Pride Residency
7pm: Stephanie Hirst
8pm: Hits Radio Pride in the Mix

Sunday

9-12pm: James Barr
12-2pm: The Hits Radio Pride Mixtape
2-7pm: The Hits Radio Pride Residency
7pm: Non-Stop Pride Hits and Throwbacks