The Immediate brand announces new leadership team, with Smosarski joining as Managing Director and Elly Parsons as Multimedia Director.
Smosarski 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, Smosarski joins Radio Times from Stylist, where she’s played a key role in building it into one of the UK’s most recognisable women’s media brands.
Since joining as launch Editor in 2009, Smosarski 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, she was Editor of more!, bliss, and Smash Hits.
Speaking about her new role, Smosarski says: “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.”
In a newly created role, Parsons 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.
Parsons 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.
Parsons said: “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.”
Parsons 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.
Tamar Riley, Immediate’s Portfolio Managing Director, comments: “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.”
The new-look Radio Times leadership team will focus on accelerating the brand’s digital growth, reach, and multi-platform content, while driving the continued success of the print magazine, which remains the best-selling weekly magazine by subscription.
Radio Times continues to accelerate its multimedia growth, expanding its reach and engagement across an increasingly diverse range of platforms.
App subscriptions are up 175% YoY, with RT Apple News content up by 208%. YouTube engagement has risen by 245% YoY, boosted by new video formats, including Two’s Company, Matt Baker’s Petcast, and The Lowdown.
