After 10 years with Melbourne’s gay community station Joy 94.9, General Manager Conrad Browne has announced he will step down at the end of June.
After starting as a volunteer in 2005, Conrad Browne became an employee in November of that year, starting in a support role to the Sponsorship team then progressing 3 years later into the Production Manager / Community Liaison role before commencing in the General Manager’s position in late 2011. During his time at the station, Browne has witnessed many changes along the way and has been present for many significant events and milestones for Australia’s first and only LGBTIQ community radio station.
“To say this is a bittersweet moment for me is a massive understatement,” says Browne.
“JOY means so much to me and has been more then just a job for the last 10 years; it’s been a place that has helped me learn and grow in so many ways and allowed me the opportunity to be a part of such a dynamic organisation that is truly one of a kind. It has been an incredible privilege to lead the station over the past 3 years and I am so proud of what has been achieved during this time.
“Of course I did not achieve any of this by myself; it takes a great team of passionate people to make it all happen and it is such a honour to be a part of it all. Most of all, I want to sincerely thank the amazing JOY volunteers and staff for their support and friendship. Your energy and enthusiasm for what you do for the station and the community is so inspiring and you will all definitely be the one thing that I will miss the most. It seems incredibly fitting that this years theme for Radiothon is ‘Remember JOY’ as it is a place full of people and experiences I will never forget and will always be proud to be a part of.”
Station President Jed Gilbert congratulated Browne on the enormous achievements he has lead over the last three and a half years as General Manager, and all of his dedicated contribution over the last ten years.
“He has shown exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the station and our community. He is leaving JOY 94.9 in a very strong position strategically, culturally, and financially. While I am sad to see him go, I’m excited about what he has to offer the community and the sector in any future role.”
The Board is immediately starting the call-out for a new General Manager.