The day has finally arrived. The day I knew was coming. Today is the day there is finally an article for me to post on the slashing of broadcasting jobs. And we’re not just talking about reporters or producers, we’re talking about anchors.
I love this quote because it is sooooooooooooo true!!! (Please pardon the extra o’s. I just don’t know how else to express my feeling in writing!)
“Basically, you replace someone who knows City Hall with someone who can’t find it,” said John Beard, who lost his job at KTTV last December after 26 years as a news anchor in Los Angeles.
Now, I know the trend Mr. Beard is referring to is nothing new. I fought that battle for years. I was never opposed to new reporters. After all, I was one at one point and everyone starts somewhere. My problem was always the fact that I, as a person with experience, history, contacts in the community, a relationship with my audience, etc., was made to feel disposable because the new person would do it for cheaper than me.
This has been my problem with these job cuts all along. I see the value (in all forms of journalism) in having someone with a fresh perspective being brought in to help navigate the changing landscape. What I continue to be opposed to is the systematic expulsion of experience and knowledge.
O.K., I’m done with my rant!
