LGBTQ+ voices shine as JOY's Radiothon starts this weekend
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LGBTQ+ voices shine as JOY's Radiothon starts this weekend
JOY Media’s Radiothon amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices on community radio and starts this weekend, calling for us to be ‘Stronger Together’.
Starting this Saturday and running for seven days, Radiothon is JOY 94.9’s major fundraising event.
Proudly self-funded, JOY is one of four organisations worldwide that broadcast LGBTQIA+ voices and culture through the radio airwaves 24/7.
Just past a month of taking on the role of CEO, Paul Scott-Williams says that this year’s Radiothon is an exciting “baptism of fire”.
For the past thirty years, the narrative of JOY’s Radiothon has been about becoming a member to help keep JOY 94.9 on the airwaves.
This year, JOY is using its platform to highlight why supporting diverse LGBTQIA+ voices and community is so important.
“JOY has had fantastic support from the community over the past 30 years,” Paul said.
“And we are moving into a new space and energy where we’re reaching out, not only across the state, but the nation.”
“Via digital resources, JOY is everywhere now.
“And one of the areas we have struggled in the past is reaching our regional and rural communities.
“And we are calling for support so that we can reach out to them in a new way.”
JOY reaches across the country
A volunteer and now the CEO, part of Paul’s passion for JOY is making sure it is doing everything it can to reach out and provide support and connectivity for the community.
Statistics show that loneliness, depression and isolation are huge factors in our LGBTQIA+ communities.
And those feelings can be amplified when we look at regional and rural LGBTQIA+ people.
By using their voices and sharing our stories on the community radio airwaves, JOY volunteers have always worked hard to combat isolation.
It’s something they do every day, 24/7.
“We are a national voice for our communities,” Paul said,
“So if we can do anything to connect people to support and help communication in a way that changes people’s lives, we will do it.”
“The burning ambition of JOY is not to think of ourselves in our little enclave in Melbourne,
“But to reach right across the country and community.”
Radiothon coordinator/director LJ recognises that fundraising for a community radio station like JOY is important, but so is reminding people what JOY brings to their lives.
“Over the years gone by, JOY has leaned on the community to keep it going,” LJ said.
“But this year it’s about saying we’ve got you, you’ve got us, and together we will succeed.”
“It’s not about our listeners propping this radio station up.
“It’s about this radio station delivering brilliant content, with fun, informative, and inclusive educational messages.
“And with the support of our listeners, we can do that.
“And hopefully we’re going to support the things that mean the most to you by doing that.”
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Be sure to tune in for Live at Five.
Radiothon at JOY is a busy and vibrant time of year.
There is so much happening with special guests and celebrities dropping by, as well as past volunteers.
This year the team have gone an extra mile, converting their boardroom into another studio for something special.
“Our focus this Radiothon is content,” LJ said,
“So we are doing something special called Live at Five, where a performer will come in every day at 5:00 pm and perform on JOY Drive.”
“Our daytime programs will be inviting guests from musicals that are performing in Melbourne, who will perform live too.
“There’s this amazing buzz about JOY leading up to Radiothon with big ideas, big performances, big shows.”
But Radiothon isn’t the only thing happening next week with IDAHOBIT and National Volunteer Week.
“Our volunteers are grabbing hold of their shows and with their audiences, doing everything they can.”
“So much is going on, it’s like being an executive producer for 32 different radio shows, which is impossible.” LJ laughed.
By becoming a member or donating to JOY during Radiothon, you help amplify LGBTQIA+ voices on air, online, and in the community.
Sharing music and stories that reflect and celebrate our diversity and power.
After 30 years, JOY isn’t taking a breather.
It’s not just about keeping JOY out, loud and proud.
But by supporting JOY, you are helping tangible outreach programs for our communities.
“That’s the real message of JOY and Radiothon.” CEO Paul said.
“JOY has been around for 30 years, we’re not going anywhere.”
“But we are not sitting still, we are going to find new and dynamic ways to interact with our community.”
By donating or becoming a member as part of JOY’s Radiothon, you also go into the draw for exclusive daily giveaways.
And JOY’s spectacular Major Prize Draw, valued at over $15,000 – check the full prize listing here.
Plus, new business and organisation members have a chance to win a professional $5,000 on-air promotion package from JOY Media.
“We are always stunned and grateful and humbled every year with the support that we get during Radiothon,” Paul said,
“Whether the diversity and inventiveness of the people donating to us, or donating prizes or their time or talent and service.”
“Radiothon is a very enriching time for JOY.
“It challenges the team and volunteers with new thinking and new ideas to take what they do further.
“So it’s we’re just so grateful to the whole community for everything that they bring to the table to help support us.”
JOY Radiothon runs from 10th – 16th May.
Stream JOY live online, via the JOY app or iHeartRadio, or listen via JOY 94.9 or Digital DAB+.
Find out more about JOY here.
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