If you’re not able to make the trip to Sydney for Mardi Gras’ massive 40th birthday celebration you can listen in to all the action via Melbourne’s queer radio station JOYFM.
The community radio station JOY is joining forces with SBS Radio for a Mardi Gras weekend takeover, including a live broadcast of the 40th anniversary parade of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The parade commentary team consists of the first out-and-proud winner of Big Brother Australia, Benjamin Norris; cabaret performer and executive producer of JOY’s nightly current affairs show The informer Dean Arcuri; and the hosts of Australia’s only lesbian drive radio show, Dano and Mason. This team will cross to a street team throughout the parade: Melbourne comedy duo the Tag Team.
Benjamin Norris said he was excited to be part of JOY’s converge.
“I am really pumped to be part of the commentary team for the 40th anniversary. It’s also the first Mardi Gras since marriage equality legislation passed, so I reckon the vibe will be amazing. I’m so proud to be able to relay that to the world.”
When asked what people can expect from the broadcast, Ben said, “Knowing me and the rest of the team, expect to hear a fun, camp, Gogglebox style of commentary as we all just say what we are seeing and thinking. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Speaking about the partnership with JOY, SBS’s Manager of Audio & Language Content, Mark Cummins, said this year’s broadcast would surpass what the station had delivered in previous years.
“We are excited to be handing the mic over to JOY 94.9 for the Mardi Gras parade. It is a great addition to SBS’s suite of Mardi Gras programming, and will help us bring the parade to more people and across more platforms than ever before, as well as honouring our commitment to provide diverse and entertaining content to all Australians.”
JOY’s Program Director, Chris Tait, said a lot of preparation had gone into the Mardi Gras broadcast and the station would have great programming over the whole weekend.
“It’s an honour for the team and JOY to be given the opportunity to commentate the parade to Australia and the world, and we don’t take it lightly. A lot of preparation has already gone and will continue to go into this broadcast. And although the parade is the jewel in the crown, we are running a four-day broadcast to celebrate 40 years of Mardi Gras, with specialised content over the whole weekend coming from Melbourne and Sydney. So watch this space.”
JOY 94.9 is broadcast in Melbourne on 94.9 FM, online at joy.org.au and via the JOY and iHeartRadio apps.
Source: Media Release, image: Hamid Mousa
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