Mike Bailey (weatherman)
Michael Bailey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Sydney, Australia |
| Died | June 20, 2021 (aged 71) |
| Occupation(s) | Television and radio weather presenter, journalism instructor, political candidate, football club chairman |
| Years active | 1960s–2021 |
| Known for | Weather presenting for ABC Sydney and Nine News Sydney; chairman of Wests Tigers NRL Club; Australian Labor Party candidate for North Sydney |
Michael John Bailey (27 October 1949 – 20 June 2021) was an Australian figure known for his work as a television and radio weather broadcaster, journalism instructor, political candidate, and chairman of a football club.
Early life
Bailey grew up in the Sydney suburb of Sefton and attended De La Salle College, Bankstown from 1959 to 1965. He then continued his education at De La Salle College in Ashfield during the years 1966 and 1967.
Television and radio career
For many years, Bailey served as the weather presenter for the ABC Sydney's 7:00 p.m. news bulletin, which was also aired across significant regions of New South Wales. Prior to this role, he spent thirteen years delivering weather reports and occasional news updates on Sydney's Channel 7. In addition to his broadcasting duties, he was a lecturer in radio journalism at Macleay College in Sydney and was well regarded as both a master of ceremonies and a guest speaker.
Before entering politics, Bailey co-hosted weather discussions with Richard Glover on ABC Radio Sydney 702 during weekday afternoons. Early in his professional journey, he gained experience working as "Savings Sam," a promotional character outside a department store in Sydney.
Political candidate
On 22 May 2007, Bailey was invited to pursue Australian Labor Party preselection for the federal seat of North Sydney, aiming to challenge the sitting Minister Joe Hockey in the 2007 Australian federal election. He left his position at the ABC to contest the election, securing an 8.4 percent increase in primary votes and a 4.7 percent swing on a two-party basis but ultimately did not win the seat.
Later career
Following his political bid, Bailey took on weather presenting duties for Nine News Sydney on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as the weather segment for the Nine News Afternoon Edition on Fridays. In early 2009, after returning from a holiday, he was informed that he would not be returning to his role. A devoted supporter of the Western Suburbs Magpies, Bailey was appointed Chairman of the Wests Tigers NRL Club in 2011 by stakeholders from the Wests Group.
Personal life and death
Bailey was married to Helena Bailey, a former presenter of the local children's show Romper Room, from 1986 until his passing. The couple had one son named Michael. Bailey passed away on 20 June 2021 at age 71 due to a stroke after spending three weeks in a coma.
External links
- Storm over Bailey's cushy job Daily Telegraph, 30 March 2008.