Melbourne’s LGBTIQ+ focused radio station JOY949 has conceded that its membership database has not been stolen.
The station is currently facing calls to address concerns about the station’s board and claims of a bullying culture within the organisation.
A group called ‘Save JOYFM’ has launched a campaign to hold a Special General Meeting, and wrote to many members of the organisation asking for their support.
Melinda Rich, the Chair of JOYFM, wrote to members and said there was concern that the organisations membership data base had been compromised, and they would be reporting the matter to Victorian Police.
” It would appear that the email database of JOY has been stolen, copied and removed from JOY without authority to facilitate this and we will be reporting this to the Victoria Police.” Melinda Rich said in an email to members.
The move drew a swift response from the ‘Save JOY’ campaign who denied the theft, noting that among its members were people with a long involvement in the station who had their own extensive contact lists.
Last week OUTinPerth asked Victorian Police if they could confirm if an investigation into the alleged theft was underway. A representative for the police said they could find no record of an inquiry, but did not rule out one being made.
We asked CEO Tennille Moisel if she could confirm the theft had been reported, but did not receive a response.
Now the CEO has written to members of the station and confirmed that no theft took place.
In an email viewed by OUTinPerth JOYFM concedes after an internal investigation, and advice from police, they are confident their membership database has not been compromised.
“After an internal review of our processes and in consultation with Victoria Police, we can confirm that it is unlikely that the data was obtained from JOY’s membership database and also that in the opinion of Victoria Police, no prosecutable offence has occurred. This matter is now closed.” Moisel said.
Graeme Watson
