JOY 94.9 general manager Conrad Browne steps down after 10 years at the station
Image: Conrade Browne is stepping down from the helm of Joy 94.9 radio after 10 years. (File image)
LGBTI radio station Joy 94.9 has announced general manager Conrad Browne will be stepping down after 10 years with the station and over three years at its helm.
Continuing in the role until the end of June, Browne will see Joy through its week-long annual Radiothon fundraising drive, which begins on Friday.
Browne told the Star Observer he felt it was time to leave after a decade of involvement with the organisation.
“I’ve been really keen to stress that it’s not about burnout, there’s no issues here or anything — I love the station so much. It’s been such a special thing for me to be a part of,” he said.
“I’m sure in some capacity I will still be here, in some way, helping out as a volunteer or just doing what I can… It’s been part of my life for 10 years, so it’s definitely not going to just end, which is why I feel okay about it.”
The station has begun the recruitment process for Browne’s replacement, with president Jed Gilbert expecting broad interest.
“There will be big shoes to fill but we expect a strong field of candidates from across Australia and internationally,” he said.
“[Browne] 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.”
Browne indicated he does not have immediate plans to begin a new role when he steps down at Joy.
During his time as general manager, Browne said he was most proud of the station’s broadcast for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2013.
“World AIDS Day Worldwide” saw the station produce a 24-hour audio-visual project for radio and online, on the station’s 20th birthday.
“[It] really was such an amazing thing for me to lead and be a part of for the station, to do a 24-hour simulcast, on-air and visual as well, and the importance behind us talking about things that were HIV and AIDS related, and it’s so close to Joy’s purpose and the whole reason why the station was started,” Browne told the Star Observer.
“And to be able to do that 20 years to the day of when Joy started was extremely special to me, and it’s one of the things I was involved in that I’ll be most proud of.”
Browne’s personal highlight was more specific: “As a volunteer my highlight was I got to interview Spinderella from Salt-N-Pepa. She was incredible, and it ticked a box for 14-year-old me.”
