At 15, Townsville boy, Rhys Messenger had been on air for three years already at a local community station and reckons he’s ready for a full time, paid, radio job.
He writes: “I’m currently in year 10 at school, and not going through much of a good time at school – so would like to finish at the end of this year, and either get a full time job, and if that’s not possible, I’d reel myself into doing a course. I’m prepared to move wherever (even so young) wherever radio takes me.”
It’s not for lack of trying. He’s been sending out air-checks and demos of his imaging work straight out of his home built sound proof studio. Channel 7 even featured him in their news.
Below is the full text of young Rhys’s email to us at radioinfo.
I’m Rhys – I’m 15 years of age. I love radio imaging, audio production and announcing. I’ve done 2 years in community radio at 99.9 Live FM and got classed as “Queensland’s Youngest Radio Announcer”
I have a sound-proofed home studio and on a weekly basis send my work to people in the industry, mostly with the awesome guys at Southern Cross Austereo. I listen to radio as much as I can, and I look up to a lot of people high in the industry. Because I’m in Townsville, and can’t get Kyle and Jackie O here, I’d come home from a day of school, and download their podcast. I’ve mistakenly thought in the past that having the same microphone as this person, gives you the same personality and the same talent. Something proved me wrong, and taught myself to create my own ideas, have my own personality (which every person should have) and started writing down ideas before I’d produce a promo.
I’m currently in year 10 at school, and not going through much of a good time at school – so would like to finish at the end of this year, and either get a full time job, and if that’s not possible, I’d reel myself into doing a course. I’m prepared to move wherever (even so young) wherever radio takes me.
My life practically revolves around radio and will continue to be forever. I continuously lack motivation to do things anymore, and sometimes think I should give up, but I don’t because I know one day, whether it’s a day, or a decade, my work will pay off.
I’m sending this email not to get my name big – but to offer my skills and talents to anyone, in 2013. I’ve applied for a few jobs and will continue to apply.
Did I hear & read correctly? He is either 15 or 13 or 12,which is it? Doesn't ACMA rules say that you cannot be on radio unless you are at least 14 years of age? Just a thought for the Station Manager of LIVE FM 99.9 to consider.Otherwise,I wish him all the best of luck & say,go for it Rhys.
Many community radio stations especially in regional areas run programs presented by kids after school. Apart from connecting with the community it also gives live airtime when regular volunteers may not available. You'll find there is always a manager or a volunteer in the office.
10+ years ago a regional Queensland AM commercial station station had Friday afternoons 4-5 for the local school kids. Opening and closing theme was Alice Cooper's "School's Out."