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- guardian.co.uk, Monday October 1 2007 07.34 BST
Gaydar Radio: adding podcasts to its social networking site and adding six extra hours of live programming
Digital station Gaydar Radio is to launch a podcast production unit and ramp up its live programming as it prepares to become a content provider for Channel 4's new national digital radio multiplex.
Gaydar Radio has signed a deal with Channel 4 to be a podcast provider for the new multiplex, which is due to launch at the end of 2008.
The podcast unit, which will be overseen by Gaydar Radio programme consultant Jamie Crick, will create gay- and lesbian-orientated content, including interviews with celebrities and lifestyle pieces.
The first podcasts will be available from later next month as part of the launch of Gaydar's social networking site GaydarNation.com.
The Gold Sony award-winning digital station, which is currently available on digital radio in London and the Sussex coast, as well as via Sky satellite and online, is also adding six extra hours of live programming a week from October 8.
The changes will see DJ Debbie Ryan join from Oxford's Fox FM to host two new live weekend slots from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and 8pm to midnight on Sundays, while Alex Duffy is joining from Chiltern Radio for the weekend breakfast show, on air from 6am to 10am on Saturdays and 6am to 9am on Sundays. Gaydar's programme controller, Robin Crowley, said: "Gaydar Radio's success is built on its interactivity with our community of users in the Gaydar chatrooms. Our new weekend lineup allows us to extend that listener dialogue further." The station is also investing in its news and information team, with Joanne Oatts joining from Digital Spy as news editor, working across both GaydarNation.com and Gaydar Radio, where she will produce on-air and online news and information bulletins throughout the day.
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