Robin Bailey speaks out about shock axing from 97.3FM

UPDATE: Her bosses claim they tried to negotiate, but axed 97.3FM breakfast star Robin Bailey says she was ‘blindsided’. And today, her co-hosts have addressed her axing on-air.

• Robin Bailey: 97.3 breakfast show star ‘gobsmacked’ by axing

POPULAR Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey has been sacked after a bitter contract dispute with top-rating station 97.3 FM.

Bailey yesterday launched an extraordinary attack on her former employer, claiming she had been “blindsided”.

She was called in to a meeting with management immediately following her shift yesterday and told her services were no longer required. She will not be back on air.

The long-serving co-host of Brisbane’s Robin, Terry and Bob show, Bailey told The Courier-Mail in an exclusive interview she was “distressed” by the Australian Radio Network’s decision to cut her off after 10 years at the mic.

And this morning, Bailey’s co-hosts Terry and Bob briefly addressed her shock axing on air.

Co-host Terry Hansen wished the mother-of-three all the best going forward.

“We’ve had some shock news with the departure of our friend Robin,” he said.

“But she’s a fighter and she will bounce back. We will miss you Rob.”

Fellow host Bob Gallagher added “we wish Rob the best and the show must carry on.”

Robin Bailey pictured in 2015 as she discusses the anniversary of her husband Tony Smart’s death on air. Picture: 97.3 FM

ARN denies Bailey’s claims of an ambush, with national content director Duncan Campbell telling The Courier-Mail the network “tried very hard to keep Robin at 97.3.” through lengthy negotiations.

“While we won’t comment on specific elements of contract negotiations for privacy reasons, what we can say is this negotiation was ongoing for a long period of time with Robin’s management,” Campbell said.

“We are very disappointed we weren’t able to agree to terms, but unfortunately, based on the information ARN was consistently given throughout the negotiation process, we were led into a position where we were unable to proceed with contract renewal.”

However, Bailey, 46, said she understood the axing was over money, however was disappointed the station “didn’t bother negotiating” with her.

“I find this really distressing, this is just so awful,” she said.

“We’ve been in contract negotiations for a long time and it’s taken a fair while but we made them an offer and they just never countered it.

“Then (yesterday) I came off air and was taken into a boardroom and they told me they wouldn’t renew my contract.

“I got really distressed. I’m just honestly completely at a loss.

“The fact that they say (ARN) they tried really hard is a joke.”

Bob Gallagher, Robin Bailey and Terry Hansen. Picture: Jono Searle.

Bailey, who celebrated her birthday on the weekend, said she assumed she would continue on air for the rest of the year, but was told yesterday was her last day.

“I was willing to continue working despite what had happened,” she said.

“I get the business we work in, I know how the media operates.

“But this whole thing has been so hurtful and it didn’t have to happen like this.”

The mother-of-three, who suffered public heartache when her husband Tony Smart committed suicide two years ago, went on to say she would likely take the rest of the year off before looking for another radio gig.

Robin Bailey with her late husband Tony Smart in 2005.

She would not rule out moving back to Sydney where her partner of six months Sean Pickwell lives.

“I would go to Sydney,” she said.

“I’ll go wherever it takes me.

“It’s hard though because my family are all here.

“My kids have and always will be my number one priority and as a single mum I have to support them first.

“I need to take a breath, I guess.”

Yesterday morning, ARN issued a shock statement announcing the popular presenter’s departure. They cited an inability to reach agreement on terms in which Campbell said the station was “sad to see her go”.

“While we worked hard to keep Robin as part of the team, we’re disappointed that we were unable to agree (on) terms. All at ARN and the team at 97.3 wish her the very best,” he said.

While the station is yet to name Bailey’s replacement, Campbell signalled further announcements about the breakfast trio were due “soon”.

But rumours were already circulating among industry insiders yesterday, with sources suggesting that mornings presenter Louise Poole could be offered the gig.

“But what we’re very happy to confirm now is that Terry Hansen will remain with the show and be joined by a new host, along with Bob Gallagher, who will continue as the show’s anchor,” he said.

“We’re extremely excited about 2017 and the fun and compelling content we will have on offer for our Brisbane listeners — both loyal and new alike.”

A timeline: Robin Bailey’s career

1995 — joins high-rating B105 Morning crew with Jamie Dunn and Ian Skippen

1998 — marries Tony Smart, who worked at Channel 7, where Robin presented the movie show Popcorn

2000 — joins Channel 9 as a contributor for the station’s Saturday Extra program

2002 — is made B105 drive host, replaced by Penny Cooper in the morning slot

2003 — is retrenched by B105

2006 — joins 97.3 as a freelance contributor

2013 — becomes the breakfast announcer, alongside Bob Gallagher and Terry Hansen

2014 — 97.3 breakfast team tops the ratings

2014 — husband Tony Smart dies

2014 — returns to work after a five-week break from the airwaves and speaks about her husband’s death

2015 — a year after Smart’s suicide, goes on air to express anger at her husband for his actions

2015 — is embroiled in a bitter dispute with Brisbane City Council when her two dogs were declared dangerous after mauling a family’s cat. The incident plays out on air

2015 — is embroiled in a bitter dispute with her late husband’s family

2016 — pays an emotional on-air tribute to her eldest son on his 16th birthday

2016 — is revealed to have found a new partner, a Sydney businessman called Sean.

2016 — Nova beats 97.3 in breakfast radio ratings

2016 — is axed by 97.3 after a contract dispute