Bailey Corrigan: “I’m beyond excited to kick off my dream career”

Bailey Corrigan was just 13 when he first became interested in radio, and one particular day stands out in his memory as something of a ‘light bulb’ moment.

Bailey tells Radio Today “I was in Port Macquarie and decided to visit the SCA stations there.”

“Jason Webb-Sear (Bodge) was the Drive Announcer on Triple M at the time. He came out into the reception area, we met each other, and after chatting for a few minutes he randomly said ‘Alright, we’re going on air.’”

“I had only ever been on the radio once, and it was only briefly. I thought it was such a cool thing!”

A few years on, and Bailey – now eighteen – has moved to Tamworth, where he’s landed his first commercial radio job, joining the team at 92.9 and 2TM.

He started his new gig in December, in an all-rounder role which includes on-air duties.

A recent highlight was being part of the 92.9 and 2TM team covering the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“I’ll be doing mostly admin work, although I do now have my own show on 2TM, the Classic Lunch from 12:00-1:00PM. It’s a new theme every day.”

“I’ll also be assisting with other tasks on a day-to-day basis (sales, filling in on air, etc).”

Connecting with listeners and playing the music they love is a dream come true for Bailey.

“I’ve always believed that if you enjoy the music as well, it’s noticeable when you turn the microphone on. People can sense your passion for the particular songs being played, and then they have an even better listening experience.”

Bailey plans to keep climbing the career ladder, with a view to one day working in one of the metro markets, hopefully Melbourne or Sydney.

He says his current job in Tamworth is the perfect way to kick start the adventure.

“People say you’ve got to start at the bottom and work your way up. Beginning my commercial radio journey in such a big Australian town feels like I’ve already taken a couple of steps up. I feel so fortunate to have a very early head start.”

Bailey’s advice to others wanting to make it in radio is to go ahead and give it a crack.

“After putting an excessive amount of time and effort into trying to build my skills for three and a half years in community radio, it paid off.”

“I’ve learnt that if you want something – including in the radio industry – you’ve got to put your blood, sweat and tears into it. Eventually, things will work out and goals will slowly be met.”

He also recommends reaching out to other announcers.

“Send them air checks, ask questions, express your interest and passion. That’s exactly what I did. I made myself known to many presenters across the country, and have been shown endless support.”

“Once you put yourself out there, people know who you are and might just keep you in mind for future employment. At the very least, they’ll be able to find out more about you, and be really happy to know that you have a passion for the same industry as them … radio!”

Bailey never pictured himself as a radio announcer.

“For so many years, I wanted to be a journalist/news presenter. I loved listening to the radio, had an interest, but never imagined being on it.”

He noticed that his local community station (2BOB) needed youth presenters. He gave it a go, and from the very first training session, he knew radio was the life for him.

2 months later, he was hosting his own 4 hour show on Great Lakes FM.

“Now it’s resulted in not only me getting my break in commercial radio in Tamworth, but a dream of being one of Australia’s biggest radio announcers. Who knew? If I didn’t give 2BOB a go, I have no idea where I’d be right now.”

Bailey says so many people have helped and inspired him along the journey, it’s impossible to name them all.

“Bodge has probably been the most influential,” he says.

“Steve Fitton from WSFM has been awesome, as has Aaron Chilcott, Meg Alexander, Anthony Zanos and Jayce Flaxman who are currently at Max FM & 2RE in Taree, plus Jess Scully, Gemma Eager and Macka Dixon who are no longer there. Gavin Miller, Jason Staveley, and a stack more.”

“There are literally 100 people I’d say, so we’d better wrap it up there!”