GlitterBeam
Multi-Regional LGBTQ+ Radio Station
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GlitterBeam is a multi-regional digital radio station broadcasting across the United Kingdom and Malta. It was launched on 14 July 2019.
History
Founded in 2019 by Eugenio Ceriello and Michael Dalzell, GlitterBeam originally launched as an online-only radio station. Following the good reception from the public, GlitterBeam went on to launch in several other cities across the UK as part of the Ofcom small-scale DAB trial and later the permanent small scale DAB services in Cambridgeshire,[1] Blackpool,[2] York,[3] Norfolk, Sheffield, Rotherham,[4] Coventry[5] and Brighton. The station also broadcast nationwide on DAB in Malta.[6] The station's slogan is "The UK & Malta's LGBTQ+ Radio Station".
GlitterBeam operates a number of audio splits, used for targeted localised advertising and content. The music programming is "uplifting" pop and dance music, with the tagline "Music with Sparkle". The station is entirely ran by volunteers.
In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the station dedicated special programming to the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine with interviews.[7][8]
In 2024, one of the presenters, Dean Quinton, became a housemate in the reality show Big Brother.[9]
An Italian version of the station, GlitterBeam Italia, was launched in 2024 with an entire team of Italian presenters.[10] In 2026 GlitterBeam Italia became available on Malta's DAB+.[11][12]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Association | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Rainbow Honours | Brand of The Year | GlitterBeam | Nominated |
| 2020 | National Diversity Awards | Community Organisation Award | GlitterBeam | Nominated |
| 2024 | Rainbow Honours | Brand of The Year | GlitterBeam | Nominated |