Joy 94.9
Transmission was on 90.7 MHz from 268A Coventry Street, South Melbourne, a total space 80sqm consisting of 1 broadcasting studio, above a hardware store.
2004 saw JOY Melbourne Inc. become the largest gay and lesbian community member-based organisation in Australia, with the station's full time license renewed in 2006.
[4] In July 2008, after 14 years in South Melbourne, JOY 94.9 relocated to the City Village premises in Bourke Street.
The expansion included the addition of JOY Academy, to provide "training and education services to the public in podcasting, radio programming, and diversity and inclusion best practice".
[21][22] The JOY studios were evacuated on Tuesday 20 September 2016 due to an alleged bomb threat, with the station's programming put on auto-play to allow a thorough investigation.
Those behind the push listed their grievances against the current board including a lack of action, an exodus of on-air staff and volunteers and a disconnect with the LGBTI communities.
[25][26][27][28] JOY 94.9 is the first radio station in Australia dedicated to offering programming produced by and aimed specifically at the gay, lesbian & bisexual communities.
JOY 94.9 utilises online streaming audio to reach the gay and lesbian audience in the rest of Melbourne and the world.
Supplementing this day-time content is predominantly chat-based specialist programming broadcast from 7 pm to midnight each week day.
[31] Since JOY 94.9's inception varying shows, personalities and events have gained interest, honours and awards for their excellence in broadcasting and representation of the LGBTQI Community.
Excellence in Innovative Programming and Content - Checkpoint Best Station Production – JOY Radiothon, JOY 94.9 Excellence in Spoken Word, News and Current Affairs Programming Best Initiative to Build Station Capacity Best Sponsorship Announcement or Promotion award High Commendation for Best Special Event Broadcast The GLOBE Community Awards celebrates achievement in Victoria's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities, highlighting the work of a diverse range of organisations and individuals that benefit and unite the Victorian LGBTIQ community.
