David Bailey began his television career at WTHI-TV in Terre Haute as a studio assistant in 1966 while completing his degree in business management at Indiana State University. During his tenure at the station, he worked in engineering, production, public relations, marketing, and sales. He was named Vice-President/General Manager of the station in 1987 and took on the additional responsibilities of radio stations WTHI-FM and WWVR-FM in 1997. He continued to oversee the three operations initially for Wabash Valley Broadcasting and later for Emmis Communications until his retirement in March 2005. He has served as president of the IBA and Chamber of Commerce, chairman of United Way, served on the boards of CBS Affiliate and Saint Mary of the Woods College, was a NATPE Iris Award winner and 2005 Entity of the Year (Emmis).