Billy Russell

Intelligent and witty, Billy Russell has quickly proven himself to be one of Australia’s emerging talents. His foray into television is the stuff of legends.

Billy joined the Channel [V] team in January 2010 after winning [V] Presenter Search 2009, beating out a staggering 3,000 applicants.

He gave up a lot to take part in the nationwide competition. After receiving the news that he made the Top 30, he immediately quit his job in London and was on the first plane back to Australia so he could take part in the final round of auditions. From the get-go Billy impressed the [V] judges with his raw talent and effortless presenting style, and was announced the winner during a live show from Homebake 2009. Winning the nationwide search certainly made his airfare home from Heathrow the best investment he’s ever made.

Billy made a triumphant debut on Channel [V], co-hosting BIG DAY OUT LI[V]E in January 2010. A baptism of fire, he mastered a five hour live broadcast where he scored coveted interviews with headlining international acts Muse, Groove Armada and Kasabian. Since joining the Channel [V] family Billy has worked on many of the channel’s flagship shows and has toured the country, covering some of Australia’s biggest music festivals and events including Big Day Out, Future Music, Splendour in the Grass and Good Vibrations. He has also presented two series of B430, Channel [V]’s youth lifestyle show, travelling to Japan, Canada and Thailand. In July 2011, he hosted the exclusive event, Lady Gaga Live at Sydney Monster Hall.

Not only that, Billy has interviewed some of the biggest names in music and entertainment including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Muse, Groove Armada, Foo Fighters, The Dead Weather, Usher, Ke$ha, Kasabian, The Temper Trap, Russell Brand, Lupe Fiasco, Pitbull and Zac Efron.

A massive music fan himself, Billy assumes the role of a voice between an artist and the Channel [V] audience, to bring them comprehensive and entertaining music news. Billy's interviews are thoroughly researched and informative, which is respected by viewers and musicians alike. Dynamic and genuine, Billy couples his love of music with a passion for writing. He completed a double degree in Law and Arts at university.

In 2010, Billy pitched a show concept that was green lighted for production. In December 2010, Channel [V] premiered The Riff. Australia’s only LIVE weekly pop culture show, The Riff, is a 30 minute dose of Channel [V]’s unique view on the events of the week. Opinionated, provocative and entertaining, anything can and will happen as the Channel [V] crew riff on all things music and pop culture, breaking news, viral stuff and what’s pushing their buttons each week. The Riff is one of the most popular shows currently on Channel [V].

And it’s not just Channel [V] that recognises the supreme talent in Billy Russell. In 2011, he was nominated for an ASTRA Award for Best New Talent. A talented presenter and writer, he is fast becoming one of Channel [V]’s most well-loved [V]Js.

Billy Russell delivers the latest pop culture and music news with WTF! at 4.00pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He also co-hosts Channel [V]’s weekly LIVE pop culture show, The Riff every Saturday at 10.30am.