JOY BLOG

4 Apr 2016

Exciting new changes to JOY programming

Twelve new programs and a revamp of daytimes are the main features of the brand-new programming grid of Australia’s only LGBTI radio station, JOY 94.9.

The grid also sees more new volunteers to the station than ever before for a program grid change, with shows exploring youth issues, feminism, LGBTI Indigenous affairs, rock, metal, RnB and much more, adding to the already diverse programming JOY has to offer.

The most significant addition to the JOY grid is the new current affairs offering with a dedicated team of journalists. The Informer airs Monday to Thursday at 6:30pm AEST with a team that includes Dean Beck (On The Line/Word for Word), Ben Grubb (newsreader, former SMH Tech Editor), Claudine Chionh (Spirit Lounge, journalism student), Matthew Wade (Star Observer), Ruby Susan (newsreader), Emma Arnold (journalism student), Stephanie McLean (journalism graduate/Triple R), David Gale (newsreader), Scott Tetley (daytime presenter/former newsreader), Pete Dillon (Saturday Magazine and former ABC producer) and Bart van der Werf. James Findlay (JOY Program Director and former MCV News Editor) acts as executive producer.

“Our communities are so diverse, and I’m proud of this brand-new grid that has so many new programs that explore all the fascinating passions held by members of our LGBTI communities,” says Program Director James Findlay.

Findlay says the need for more news and current affairs with an LGBTI focus pushed him to program the adventurous new offering The Informer.

“The Informer has taken months of planning to put together, and I’m excited about what this program will bring to our communities. We have such a talented team behind the program, and it’s going to be an exciting time with the lead-up to the federal election,” he added.

The first week of The Informer will include exploring coming out for LGBTI people affected by migration, family violence in the LGBTI community, and interviews with the new president of the Victorian AIDS Council and the newly preselected Liberal candidate for Goldstein, Tim Wilson.

After some exciting increases in listenership during daytimes in the past few months and positive feedback on JOY’s music mix, the station will now play Melbourne’s most uplifting music mix all day long – from 9am to 4pm.

The new program grid is launched as JOY’s summer membership campaign comes to an end, breaking membership records for the past two years. The station had more new members sign up than the number of new members signing up in the past two summer campaigns combined.

“Not only are more and more people getting involved in volunteering at JOY, but we’re seeing much more engagement with the station too – so it’s wonderful to see that people are connecting with us,” says General Manager Breed Barrett.

New programs to JOY:

B R O A D, 9pm Monday: Feminist and women’s issues program hosted by Sonja (Sci-fi and Squeam), Lauren (Taste of Radio grad) and Rose.
Bite Me Down Under, 11pm Monday: Australian independent music program hosted by Bek Smith (previously Right Here Right Now).
The Girls Hour, Midnight Tuesday: produced by Ginni Saraswati and hosted by Jen and Michelle from New York, who will be sharing their views on anything and everything.
Behind the Curtain, 11pm Tuesday: Vaudeville and origins of musical theatre, hosted by Colin Hogan (ToR grad and front-desk volunteer).
Unicorn Youth, 7pm Wednesday: Anchored by Delsi (a secondary school media teacher and ToR grad) and hosted by students/Schools Out Loud grads. The program will provide a space for young same-sex-attracted, trans and gender diverse young people to discuss issues relevant to their community.
That Sport Show, 8pm Wednesday:Hosted by Malcolm (The Sportz Bag) and Stewart, looking at the week’s sport and what’s happening in the LGBTI sport world.
Chicks Talkin’ Footy, 8:30pm Wednesday: Fiona Newton (ex-The Sportz Bag) and Danae Gibson (former JOY general manager/RTR presenter) with a team of women who love women who love footy.
Black, White and Rainbow, 10pm Wednesday:Hosted by Ande K (Friday drive newsreader/former 4AAA presenter). Will focus on LGBTI Indigenous issues, artists, health, music and culture.
Get Loud, 11pm Wednesday:Rock and light metal music show hosted by Stevie (ToR grad). Will include interviews with artists and feature local music.
Lose Control, 7pm Friday: RnB music program hosted by Justin Edge (ToR grad).
SASS, 5pm Saturday: independent indie music from around the world, hosted by Aaron Oehms (RMIT media grad/former community radio presenter).

JOY 94.9 is available in Melbourne at 94.9 MHz on the FM dial, via the JOY iOS and Apple TV app or online at joy.org.au. The station broadcasts to an average of 341,000 listeners a month (McNair 2015).