Tamworth bound: Daniel Pizarro to deliver the news at 88.9 FM

Daniel Pizarro is feeling pumped as he packs his bags, bound for Tamworth.

He’s embarking on a new role, heading up the newsroom at 88.9 FM, producing and presenting daily local bulletins.

And he’s told Radio Today he can’t wait to get stuck in.

“I’ll also work with the other radio shows, discussing news stories with the announcers, as well as heading out to events, press conferences, maybe even report live from the ground,” he says.

From on-the-road reporting to producing and presenting, Daniel has carved himself a reputation as one of the industry’s great all-rounders.

His story is one of dogged determination.

“Would you believe I had applied to over 8000 jobs over the past 15 years?! I applied for almost any organisation in radio and TV to see if anything would happen.”

And his persistence has certainly paid off.

Daniel has not only fulfilled his dream of becoming a journalist, he’s worked right around the country, both in television and radio.

Standout moments include Daniel’s extensive coverage of the 2023 Port Augusta storm during his time as a reporter for 7 Spencer Gulf News.

“I travelled around the city for hours and days, speaking to people whose roofs had caved in, and whose livelihoods had been disrupted,” he says.

Daniel also covered the devastating impact of cyclones for Ten News First Regional Queensland, and reported on the Israeli-Hamas war from a local perspective.

Daniel’s parents always supported and encouraged his interest in journalism.

Even as a very young child growing up in Broken Hill, there were clear signs Daniel would end up working in the media.

“Mum told me the first thing I recognised on television was the ABC logo!” he laughs.

Daniel spent much of his young life in Sydney’s Blue Mountains.

The school years were tough.

“There’s nothing wonderful about bullies, no matter how many times you deal with them,” says Daniel. “But I survived and didn’t give in, especially as I wanted to prove that I would become a journalist.”

Daniel says what really appeals to him about his new Tamworth job is the notion that he’ll be his own boss.

“Running a newsroom – no matter how big or small it is – can be quite a challenge.”

“But I would love to stamp my mark and show I can give the listeners a high quality local news service.”

And he says there’s plenty to look forward to.

“Any excuse to wear more RM Williams gear! Hahahaha.”

“I haven’t been in Tamworth since 2012 during the city’s major floods, so I’m keen to see what’s changed over the years, as well as look for those stories and places that haven’t had as much news coverage.”

Community-minded, Daniel loves playing Aussie Rules footy in his down time. But he’s still recovering from a serious Jiu-Jitsu accident, which disrupted his training.

“But I think I have enough left in me to get back into contact sport,” he says. “I just need to see what the doctors say!”

As for what else the future holds, Daniel says “I’m certainly not saying goodbye to television news, in fact I hope to do reports still for 88.9 FM through their social profiles.”

“Aside from that, I want to really enjoy Tamworth, it seems a wonderful place to settle down and raise a family, but regardless of what my future career will be, working for 88.9 FM will allow me to gain more skills and experience.”