It's an honor to be associated with an organization that takes pride in their product....that 'Reports the Facts, Respects the Truth.....' and that really tries to do what's best not only for the customer but for the employees.
It gives me great joy that during the last sweeps period which ended less than a week ago, Channel 3 received the accolade of taking 1st place in the ratings at 6pm, 7pm, and 11pm.
Really, that's all that needs to be said.
We work hard at Channel 3 and our dedication and going that extra mile surely pays off!
Thank you.
Showing posts with label dedication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dedication. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Not that easy!!
It was not that easy!
You would think having 4 days off would be a real treat.
OK, it was a treat. Who am I kidding! A divine treat, especially since I went to a Tropical city to see one of my best friend's in the entire world, grab some rays, enjoy my Indians, and no responsibilities for 48 hours.
A dream. It was!
But the first 2 days were furlough days. The last 2 days normal days. And I was only out of town for 48 of those hours.
I must be a news hound because I wanted to pick up the phone at least 7 times Thursday and share story ideas and information with the station. Each time I even thought about it, the furlough rules and regulations fairy appeared with this scolding look on her face saying 'no can do.'
I received an email from a college buddy who has worked at Canton Timken for as long as I can remember. He said they made more cuts and he was one of them this time. Awful, just awful for my friend. However, my innate instinct was 'call the station.' No can do.
Then I went to the hairdresser to get my new doo for my trip. John Roberts still has quite the memorial for Staci DiJulius. When you walk in there is a constant slide show presentation and the station next to my hairdresser's has a message on the mirror, candles and fresh flowers. Everyone working there knew her and misses her immensely. Information which must stay with me a few more days.
One of the churches in my cluster will be closing within weeks.....a story that can keep, but nonetheless, a story that I thought about calling in Thursday. Wrong answer!
Chrysler is a ready made story in my own lap. I just bought a Chrysler. I am a perfect subject guinea pig for what will happen down the road to Chrysler owners. But more importantly, the first 2 dealerships I went to were on the closing list, did not make the cut.
We had a little breaking news in my neighborhood where they had to block off the roadway.....I had to drive on by without even investigating to see what it was......honestly, it did not seem like a big deal or I would have snooped a bit more just in case.
I had to steer clear of Twitter, Facebook (sharing all the Channel 3 promos, Metromix stories, Weather Warrior ideas, and pretty much EVERYTHING connected to wkyc), wkyc.com, the 7pm live web chat--now that was hard. I was still in town for that and so desperately wanted to hop on but could not. I could not write a blog entry Thursday or Friday or do any correspondence whatsoever wkyc related.
I have to admit folks, for someone getting handed 4 days off, it was not all it was cracked up to be the first 24 to 36 hours. It was downright hard! I really love this place and what I do apparently. It's amazing how many times in the course of the day I send off an email, a story idea, share information about Channel 3 on Facebook or Twitter regarding upcoming stories, comment on a web story at wkyc.com or just can't wait to get into work to offer up a bunch of story ideas in the editorial meetings.
I hope being on furlough helps the station in the long run as well as my personal longevity here....but it also made me see and opened my eyes to how much I think about Channel 3 throughout the course of the day and night. Being in the news business, doing what I do, is a 24/7 lifestyle. It is part of me, my life, and frankly, I love that attitude. It drives me to be the best at what I do, keeps each day interesting, and keeps me on the top of my game!
PS, now what's really not that easy is going through my nearly 700 email messages! Calgon, take me away!
You would think having 4 days off would be a real treat.
OK, it was a treat. Who am I kidding! A divine treat, especially since I went to a Tropical city to see one of my best friend's in the entire world, grab some rays, enjoy my Indians, and no responsibilities for 48 hours.
A dream. It was!
But the first 2 days were furlough days. The last 2 days normal days. And I was only out of town for 48 of those hours.
I must be a news hound because I wanted to pick up the phone at least 7 times Thursday and share story ideas and information with the station. Each time I even thought about it, the furlough rules and regulations fairy appeared with this scolding look on her face saying 'no can do.'
I received an email from a college buddy who has worked at Canton Timken for as long as I can remember. He said they made more cuts and he was one of them this time. Awful, just awful for my friend. However, my innate instinct was 'call the station.' No can do.
Then I went to the hairdresser to get my new doo for my trip. John Roberts still has quite the memorial for Staci DiJulius. When you walk in there is a constant slide show presentation and the station next to my hairdresser's has a message on the mirror, candles and fresh flowers. Everyone working there knew her and misses her immensely. Information which must stay with me a few more days.
One of the churches in my cluster will be closing within weeks.....a story that can keep, but nonetheless, a story that I thought about calling in Thursday. Wrong answer!
Chrysler is a ready made story in my own lap. I just bought a Chrysler. I am a perfect subject guinea pig for what will happen down the road to Chrysler owners. But more importantly, the first 2 dealerships I went to were on the closing list, did not make the cut.
We had a little breaking news in my neighborhood where they had to block off the roadway.....I had to drive on by without even investigating to see what it was......honestly, it did not seem like a big deal or I would have snooped a bit more just in case.
I had to steer clear of Twitter, Facebook (sharing all the Channel 3 promos, Metromix stories, Weather Warrior ideas, and pretty much EVERYTHING connected to wkyc), wkyc.com, the 7pm live web chat--now that was hard. I was still in town for that and so desperately wanted to hop on but could not. I could not write a blog entry Thursday or Friday or do any correspondence whatsoever wkyc related.
I have to admit folks, for someone getting handed 4 days off, it was not all it was cracked up to be the first 24 to 36 hours. It was downright hard! I really love this place and what I do apparently. It's amazing how many times in the course of the day I send off an email, a story idea, share information about Channel 3 on Facebook or Twitter regarding upcoming stories, comment on a web story at wkyc.com or just can't wait to get into work to offer up a bunch of story ideas in the editorial meetings.
I hope being on furlough helps the station in the long run as well as my personal longevity here....but it also made me see and opened my eyes to how much I think about Channel 3 throughout the course of the day and night. Being in the news business, doing what I do, is a 24/7 lifestyle. It is part of me, my life, and frankly, I love that attitude. It drives me to be the best at what I do, keeps each day interesting, and keeps me on the top of my game!
PS, now what's really not that easy is going through my nearly 700 email messages! Calgon, take me away!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Waning days of seniority
It's a hard pill to swallow. But unfortunately, most companies (big and small), businesses, teams and organizations have been struck by the economic whirlwind currently shaking up this nation, this world.
Please don't get me started on how the global situation is being handled. I, being a problem solver, may use alternate methods at times. In so many instances, I still see useless 'dead weight' surviving and winning out over dedicated hard workers--for reasons unknown?!?!?!?
A very good friend of my family just passed away. Mr. Frank Oklessen was in his 90's and still working! He had been at his job with the same company for 73 years. Still as sharp as a tack and so productive! In fact, he passed away at his desk at work. He was the first person in the office, as usual! The next person into work found him deceased at his desk. This is how life and the business world used to operate (and it wasn't half bad!!).
Funny, how times change....business leaders and CEO's all of a sudden change their modus operandi (as they choose the route of fewer, less seasoned employees....using cheaper equipment --both causing the decline of the product and its quality).
This new M.O. has sent the world into a tailspin. I guess there is something to be said for experience, seniority, dedication, and giving your employees the best equipment necessary to complete their tasks.
Sad to say, the 'good ole days' are on their way out. Come on, let's face it. Even in the sports arena, times are changing. If you have someone like a Ken Griffey Jr. (or C.C. Sabathia) who has been with one team for so long breaking ties, it's over.
It's really too bad that people who love their job, are great at their craft, want to give 110 percent to their employer on a daily basis, and would even work for less and take a pay cut to continue their tenure are being discarded. We are in the era for forced retirements, buyouts, firings, layoffs, you name it! Heck, it even happened to my mother. She was ill for a spell and was 'forced' to retire, from of all places, the Church! It's a world gone mad!
When the CEO's of the three big auto makers flew their private jets to ask for public funds, it's a world gone mad!
When CEO's, boards of trustees, Presidents, V-P's, and upper upper management continue making 7-figures when they are laying off hundreds and thousands of people, it's a world gone mad!
The holidays are upon us. One of the worst jobs in a newsroom is doing the scheduling. Actually, at times, it does not have to be as hard as it seems. I believe organization, verbal communication (instead of texting and emailing), and proper planning well in advance solves almost every scheduling problem!
When I first broke into this business, I knew I was low man on the totem pole. Let's face it, even as an intern, I worked from 4am until 7pm, weekends and holidays.....which carried over to being an entry level employee. But that was a given fact! You knew that was your lot in life, at least for a while, and you would work hard to be the best!
I continue paying my dues but do have a bit of seniority under my belt! However, I know there are 'untouchable weeks' when the woman with more seniority than I gets first dibs.
I'm not quite sure when it happened, but apparently the rules have changed. Working in this business for almost a quarter of a century does not matter anymore. There was discussion and folks were asked to consider working the holidays so those 'newer' in the business could enjoy time with their families. I'm all for charity and love prevailing and always a very giving person. But, really, what happened to 'paying dues' and seniority???
I must confess. I did not offer to hand back my Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I was fortunate to get them approved. Thank you! I'm not quite sure how this will come back to bite me in the future, if I've been blackballed. I'm sure time will tell. For me, family came first in my decision. My Mother has been in the hospital for so many holidays. I'd really like to spend our few special holidays all together....while we STILL can!
I cantor at my church and sing all the Masses for the major holidays. This is a part of my life. In the past, people were more understanding. Not today. There's a 'robot mentality' blanketing the 21st century society which could be fueling our demise.
I know it is the way of the world now, for whatever reason, and whichever big wigs put out the new edict, but it's quite disconcerting that experience, dedication, love of the job, and seniority really don't have a leg to stand on anymore. It's unfortunate that we are in a world where we may not be able to retire with the company we love and so many people may not even be with their current company this time next year.
Be strong everyone and keep the faith.
Please don't get me started on how the global situation is being handled. I, being a problem solver, may use alternate methods at times. In so many instances, I still see useless 'dead weight' surviving and winning out over dedicated hard workers--for reasons unknown?!?!?!?
A very good friend of my family just passed away. Mr. Frank Oklessen was in his 90's and still working! He had been at his job with the same company for 73 years. Still as sharp as a tack and so productive! In fact, he passed away at his desk at work. He was the first person in the office, as usual! The next person into work found him deceased at his desk. This is how life and the business world used to operate (and it wasn't half bad!!).
Funny, how times change....business leaders and CEO's all of a sudden change their modus operandi (as they choose the route of fewer, less seasoned employees....using cheaper equipment --both causing the decline of the product and its quality).
This new M.O. has sent the world into a tailspin. I guess there is something to be said for experience, seniority, dedication, and giving your employees the best equipment necessary to complete their tasks.
Sad to say, the 'good ole days' are on their way out. Come on, let's face it. Even in the sports arena, times are changing. If you have someone like a Ken Griffey Jr. (or C.C. Sabathia) who has been with one team for so long breaking ties, it's over.
It's really too bad that people who love their job, are great at their craft, want to give 110 percent to their employer on a daily basis, and would even work for less and take a pay cut to continue their tenure are being discarded. We are in the era for forced retirements, buyouts, firings, layoffs, you name it! Heck, it even happened to my mother. She was ill for a spell and was 'forced' to retire, from of all places, the Church! It's a world gone mad!
When the CEO's of the three big auto makers flew their private jets to ask for public funds, it's a world gone mad!
When CEO's, boards of trustees, Presidents, V-P's, and upper upper management continue making 7-figures when they are laying off hundreds and thousands of people, it's a world gone mad!
The holidays are upon us. One of the worst jobs in a newsroom is doing the scheduling. Actually, at times, it does not have to be as hard as it seems. I believe organization, verbal communication (instead of texting and emailing), and proper planning well in advance solves almost every scheduling problem!
When I first broke into this business, I knew I was low man on the totem pole. Let's face it, even as an intern, I worked from 4am until 7pm, weekends and holidays.....which carried over to being an entry level employee. But that was a given fact! You knew that was your lot in life, at least for a while, and you would work hard to be the best!
I continue paying my dues but do have a bit of seniority under my belt! However, I know there are 'untouchable weeks' when the woman with more seniority than I gets first dibs.
I'm not quite sure when it happened, but apparently the rules have changed. Working in this business for almost a quarter of a century does not matter anymore. There was discussion and folks were asked to consider working the holidays so those 'newer' in the business could enjoy time with their families. I'm all for charity and love prevailing and always a very giving person. But, really, what happened to 'paying dues' and seniority???
I must confess. I did not offer to hand back my Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I was fortunate to get them approved. Thank you! I'm not quite sure how this will come back to bite me in the future, if I've been blackballed. I'm sure time will tell. For me, family came first in my decision. My Mother has been in the hospital for so many holidays. I'd really like to spend our few special holidays all together....while we STILL can!
I cantor at my church and sing all the Masses for the major holidays. This is a part of my life. In the past, people were more understanding. Not today. There's a 'robot mentality' blanketing the 21st century society which could be fueling our demise.
I know it is the way of the world now, for whatever reason, and whichever big wigs put out the new edict, but it's quite disconcerting that experience, dedication, love of the job, and seniority really don't have a leg to stand on anymore. It's unfortunate that we are in a world where we may not be able to retire with the company we love and so many people may not even be with their current company this time next year.
Be strong everyone and keep the faith.
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