Surrounded by builders, half-completed walls, dust and chaos on the eve of JOY 94.9 moving into its new home, Station Manager Stephen Hahn (pictured) seems remarkably calm as he contemplates JOY’s immediate future.

“We service 250 groups who deliver community service announcements on a regular basis,” he says. “So there’s consideration at the moment to forming a Community Forum, which would not be an official body, but which would be a reference point so we could see who we are representing, who we are under-representing, and which directions we should head in.”

This big picture approach is typical of Hahn, who remains focussed on the future even as he oversees JOY’s long-awaited relocation from its crowded South Melbourne studios to new premises in the heart of the city.

“It’s almost like a mark of maturity, coming here,” Hahn says. “We’re mixing with our brothers and sisters in a creative context, our brothers and sisters in a social change context, and with the wider community.”

Despite the creative possibilities and potential partnerships the station’s new home promises, however, Hahn says that there’s no time for complacency. 

“We will always need to focus on growing our core audience, and converting that audience to members,” he tells MCV. “One of the most beautiful things about the station is that it does appeal to so many sectors of our community. No matter what cross section of the gay, bi, lesbian transgender queer community you come from, there is something here for you.”

“Importantly, I think people need to consider that if the station wasn’t here, what would be broadcasting in its place? The answer is basically a McDonald’s style station, and no-one wants a McDonald’s station,” Hahn says. “This station is unique, and if you want it to survive we do need your support.”

JOY 94.9’s Village People radiothon: June 13 – 22. Pay-up date: July 18.
To become a member today, call 9699 2949 or go to www.joy.org.au

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