Chelsea Carey’s journey from Social Media Producer to Weather Reporter

Read about Chelsea’s career progression at Nine from producer, reporter to presenter, based in South Australia.

How did you get your start at Nine?

I landed the Social Media Producer role in the Adelaide Newsroom in 2013. I had just completed my journalism & international studies degrees, and I was incredibly excited (and nervous) to find myself amongst journalists that I had looked up to for years. I was SO nervous on that first day – I can remember it like it was yesterday! From that role, I was determined to move towards on-air reporting, and Nine supported my goals – I worked with a voice coach and eventually became our Assistant Chief of Staff, before becoming a Reporter, and then finally a Weather Presenter. I am so glad I’ve been able to work across so many different roles – each has taught me important lessons that have helped shape me as a journalist.

Thinking back to when you first started at Nine, and to where you are now, what has changed for you?

So much! I’ve become a much more confident person and I trust myself more. I’ve learnt how to communicate clearly, ask the right questions, and trust my instincts. I’ve learnt so much about not only the news industry, but also about life, from all the incredible people I’ve met along the way, and the stories I’ve been able to share.

I feel like I’ve truly grown up here – I started when I was just 22 – and now I’m 33, so I guess I have.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Go for it – and don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work out the first time (or the first 10!), we need to be challenged in order to grow. My first interview I ever did, I was so nervous I dropped my notepad at my feet. My first piece-to-camera took about 14 times to get right, and my first live cross, my hands wouldn’t stop shaking! But perfectionism gets in the way of giving it a go.. You don’t need to be perfect from the start, just give it your best shot and put in the hard work to improve. Also, really listen to those around you. That’s been key for me. I’ve been lucky to learn so much from brilliant cammos, journos & producers.

How has broadcast changed since you started your career, and where do you think it’s going next?

Yes absolutely, when I started in the newsroom in 2013, we were still using paper for many things (such as vision logs), but now, it’s all digital. We are also putting out so much more content – we now have two bulletins a day, instead of one, plus we put out content across social media and digital platforms. It’s fast-paced, action-packed – and I love it!

What is are some of the craziest or most exciting things you have done at work?

Our Nine News Road Trips have taken me all over South Australia and have offered some incredible experiences. I’ve swam with Sea Lions at Port Lincoln, harvested & eaten fresh oysters at Coffin Bay, whipped around on an extreme buggy in the Riverland (terrifying but so fun), swam in a sinkhole in Mount Gambier, abseiled on the Fleurieu Peninsula.. And so much more! I’ve met amazing people and created brilliant memories, all while ‘on the job’!

What is a typical day like for you? And why do you do what you do?

At the start of my day, I’ll look for events around Adelaide that I think could make a good weather location, often with a community focus. I’ll add these to my diary and speak with organisers about upcoming opportunities. I’ll then call the Bureau of Meteorology and speak with a forecaster about the weather around SA and what we can expect in the next week. I’ll then start writing the outline of my scripts, including information & warnings that will be important for the community. I quickly pop into hair and make-up for some TV glam, before finishing up my scripts and heading on location. On location, I’ll continue to update my scripts with the latest data, and then do checks for my crosses, before finally going to air!

I do what I do because I truly love it. Weather is so important to all of our lives, and I feel honoured to be able to inform South Australians about what’s happening and how it could affect them. I also love meeting new people, the thrill of being live on air, and doing something different every day – it’s really a brilliant job!