Lisa Flavelle
Born in London and reared in Donaghadee but now based in Belfast, Lisa Flavelle grew up surrounded by music and the world of broadcasting. Her father, Jackie Flavelle, was a renowned jazz and blues bassist who also worked in radio, presenting the popular show Flavelle Unravels. From a young age, Lisa was captivated by the sounds of the studio and the magic of live radio. By the age of fourteen, she had already found her way behind the microphone at Belfast City Hospital Radio, where her lifelong passion for broadcasting began to take shape. When Belfast Community Radio (BCR) launched in the early 1990s, Lisa became one of its young voices. She went on to play a key part in its evolution into Citybeat, where she eventually rose to the role of Head of Presentation. Her radio journey has taken her across many of Northern Ireland’s most loved stations, including Downtown Radio, Cool FM, and U105, where she established herself as a versatile and trusted broadcaster with a deep understanding of what makes local radio thrive. Never one to stand still has also taken on a freelance presenter role having recently presented her first series on BBC Sounds.
In recent years, Lisa has channelled her experience into community broadcasting as one of the founding Directors of Belfast 89 FM. The station, which celebrates classic hits and local culture, reflects Lisa’s commitment to the heart of Belfast and to accessible, listener-driven radio. On Belfast 89 she hosts the Mid-Morning show every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., bringing warmth, personality, and a genuine connection with her audience. Beyond presenting, she plays an active role in the station’s management and training, helping nurture the next generation of radio talent. Lisa’s work extends well beyond the airwaves. She is an accomplished voice-over artist, podcast producer, and compere, and she shares her professional expertise as an Associate Lecturer at Belfast Metropolitan College, where she teaches radio production and presentation skills. Known for her meticulous approach and infectious enthusiasm, she has been described by colleagues as a perfectionist with a true passion for the craft of broadcasting.
Despite a career filled with achievements, Lisa remains grounded and community-focused. She lives in East Belfast, where family life plays a central role. Her children, Rosa and Ben, and her step-daughters Eve and Chloe all share her creative spirit, while her late husband and local legend Lyndon Stephens was also deeply involved in Northern Ireland’s music scene as a label owner and artist manager. Whether she’s behind the mic, mentoring new broadcasters, or shaping the sound of community radio, Lisa Flavelle continues to be one of Belfast’s most respected and enduring voices — a true champion of local radio and the art of storytelling through sound.
