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Immediate appoints Lisa Smosarski and Elly Parsons to Radio Times Leadership Team

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Tuesday 20 October 2026

Immediate, home to trusted brands that people love, have announced the appointments of Lisa Smosarski, as Radio Times Managing Director, and Elly Parsons, as Radio Times Multimedia Director, as part of a new-look leadership team for the brand.

In her new role as Radio Times MD, Lisa will have overall responsibility for Radio Times’ commercial performance and editorial direction, including revenue, content and development strategy across print, app, digital, video, audio and other multimedia formats.

With more than 25 years’ experience in media, Lisa joins Radio Times from Stylist, where as Managing Director she’s played a key role in building it into one of the UK’s most recognisable women’s media brands; combining editorial innovation with commercial leadership to develop new revenue streams and drive the brand’s digital evolution and audience growth.

Since joining as launch Editor in 2009, Lisa has overseen Stylist’s evolution from a pioneering free print magazine into a multi-platform media business, winning over 200 industry awards along the way. Prior to Stylist, Lisa was Editor of more!, bliss and Smash Hits. Lisa is also a board director of the Professional Publishers Association (PPA) and Chair of the PPA’s Next Gen Board.

 

“Radio Times is one of those rare media brands that has a genuinely special place in British culture as well as an incredibly powerful relationship with its loyal audience. I am thrilled to join the team to build on this extraordinary heritage and to help shape the next chapter of this iconic brand.”

Lisa Smosarski, Managing Director, Radio Times

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In a newly created role, Elly joins Radio Times as Digital and Multimedia Director with overall responsibility for the Radio Times app and RadioTimes.com, plus all multimedia formats across video, audio, social and newsletters.

Elly is an experienced editorial director and digital media leader specialising in content strategy, audience engagement, and culture journalism. She was previously Digital Director for The World of Interiors at Condé Nast, leading the brand’s multi-platform global growth, including launching its website and newsletter portfolio, while driving industry-leading social media engagement. She has also directed and produced award-winning video content, including a flagship series for Condé Nast distributed on Netflix. Her previous roles include Digital Editor of Wallpaper and Managing Editor at Refinery29.

“Like so many of us, I’ve grown up with Radio Times and deeply respect its distinction in today’s media landscape. Developing innovative ways to translate this beloved brand across all platforms is a special opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Elly Parsons,  Multimedia Director, Radio Times

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“I’m delighted to welcome Lisa and Elly to Radio Times. They bring a huge wealth of experience in print and digital media, including successfully developing new content propositions and revenue opportunities across multiple formats and platforms, which will be vital as we look to further accelerate Radio Times’ digital growth and reach, whilst maintaining the authority and trust the brand is known for. I’m really excited for them to join the team and help shape Radio Times future development.”

Tamar Riley, Portfolio Managing Director, Immediate

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Lisa and Elly form a new look Radio Times Leadership Team focused on accelerating the brand’s digital growth, reach and multi-platform content, alongside driving the continued success of the print magazine, which remains the best-selling weekly magazine by subscription and one of the most valuable titles on the UK newsstand.

The UK’s ultimate guide on what’s worth watching, Radio Times continues to accelerate its multimedia growth, expanding its reach and engagement across an increasingly diverse range of platforms. The Radio Times App subscriptions are up 175% YoY, with RT Apple News content up by 208%. Radio Times YouTube engagement has risen by 245% YoY, boosted by new video formats, including Two’s Company, Matt Baker’s Petcast and The Lowdown, Radio Times’ most successful video to date, which has generated over 14m views since launching this summer.

Elly takes up her new role in November, while Lisa joins Radio Times in February 2027. Shem Law, current Radio Times Editorial Director, is retiring at the end of 2026, after delivering his 25th Radio Times Christmas double issue.