Steve Tarter's column talks about the potential changes involving WEEK and WHOI.
I've heard that everyone will find out this Friday, but I know people from both stations had expected word last Thursday. I think the not knowing is the worst part. At least when you know, you can start figuring out a plan.
On Friday, I had dinner with a friend who is at a station in St. Louis now. And the trouble is it's not much better in many of the big markets and many of the same things, like ownership issues/consolidation, are happening there too. Some big markets stations have moved towards one man bands so unlike when I was coming up and there was the explosion in growth with FOX affiliates... there are fewer and fewer jobs.
It's tough all over. Just hoping the people affected land on their feet.
UPDATE: Sounds like management is pulling back from saying anything tomorrow. Lots of signs at WEEK... desks set aside in the newsroom... changes in sales... a set that was being constructed, then put away, then brought back. My thoughts are with the people caught in all this at both stations. Can't be easy. It's too bad they can't just lay it out for everyone.
Monday, January 19, 2009
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2 comments:
That is too bad.
And, Peoria is now market 116, according to Southern Media's News Music Search Archive : http://www.southernmedia-nmsa.com/
But maybe you knew that already.
Saddened.
I do not know all the facts or what’s going on with WHOI-TV 19, however as someone who has written in the past at length about this great television station, I can’t help but comment.
Simply put, I am stunned and wondering as to what’s going to happen in the days ahead.
Sort of puts those petty attacks I placed on the station about the design of their graphics, anchors/reporters who flubbed a line from time to time, etc. into perspective. At this moment, I would settle for an anchor sitting behind an old run down desk in the newsroom, if it meant that all jobs would be saved over at this “institution” of a station in Creve Coeur.
I don’t know anything and I’m speculating like many others. But there are some scary rumors out there and I hope this ends with NOT a job loss for anyone at any of our fine stations.
Our unstable economy tends to make me pessimistic about that hope though. My thoughts are with anyone who does lose their job due to this. No doubt your talents will take you elsewhere and you will succeed if you stay true to your passions. Your work does indeed matter and stay true to your audience.
One of the main reasons I quit posting about this station and the others in the area was because of the divisive nature of the comments and postings I read and wrote. Lately on the blogs, I’ve seen a return to this, which is just awful at a time like this.
We should be focused on two things right now. #1 – That hard working employee who may be out of a job in the days ahead. – and #2 – A station, which has been a staple in this community since 1953, is going to see possible significant change.
Saddened. Not just for the loss of an icon of a station, but for the changes that could very well effect many talented people.
Continue to keep us posted Edgar.
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