Pride Radio by the ONE Centre in Gateshead gives free ads
Pride Radio, based at the ONE Centre in Gateshead, is donating the airtime to community organisations in celebration of Metrocentreβs 40th anniversary.
Forty groups will each receive a 12-week radio campaign as part of the βTop 40 Community Voicesβ initiative, designed to promote their services, encourage volunteering, or raise awareness of their work.
Peter Darrant of Pride Radio said: “For many community organisations and charities paying for radio airtime is just not possible.
“Which is why we thought that teaming up with Metrocentre in such a landmark year and using their on-going support of the community to benefit other good causes was a brilliant idea.
“We are now looking forward to hearing from any group, charity or organisation which would like to benefit from this offer.”
Pride Radio will manage the full process for each selected organisation, including scriptwriting and production.
The campaign will allow groups to reach a wide audience through professional radio promotion at no cost.
Gavin Prior, centre director at Metrocentre, said: “Celebrating 40 years is not just about looking back at our history, but about recognising the communities that have supported us over the decades.
“We are incredibly proud to work alongside Out North East and Pride Radio on the Top 40 Community Voices initiative, which reflects our long-standing commitment to giving back to the North East.
“Community groups and charities play a vital role in supporting local people, often with limited resources.
“By helping to amplify their voices through this campaign, we hope to make a meaningful difference, ensuring their work is seen, heard and supported across the region during this milestone year.”
Pride Radio is now operated by OUT North East, an LGBTQ+ charity offering practical support, guidance, and awareness-raising services.
The station is based at the ONE Centre in the Stonehills Compex, Gateshead.
The centre includes counselling rooms, workshop areas, community drop-in spaces, training facilities, and hot desking areas for charities and start-ups.
The Top 40 Community Voices scheme marks another collaboration between Pride Radio and Metrocentre, both of which have partnered on previous projects supporting the wider community.
Organisations interested in applying for a free campaign can do so through the Pride Radio website. Further information about the ONE Centre and its services can be found at the Out North East website.